Raised in a small coastal village in Denmark

Began performing as a teenager, appearing in sketch comedy and cabaret scenes, some written by her actress mother

Studied acting and opera in France and Italy

American TV debut, the made-for-cable movie "Voyage" (USA Network)

While living in Paris, auditioned for Lawrence Kasdan for a role in "French Kiss"; was not cast by Kasdan who suggested she move to the USA

Settled in NYC

Breakthrough screen role as Satan's daughter in "The Devil's Advocate"

Co-starred with Kurt Russell in "Soldier"

Had small role as Mason Gamble's attractive mother in the quirky comedy "Rushmore"

Portrayed the lone female member of a "Mission to Mars"

Cast as Lucilla, the daughter of Marcus Aurelius, in the epic "Gladiator"

Cast as a wife and mother who becomes the object of a stalker in "One Hour Photo"; screened at Sundance

Female lead in the action feature "The Hunted"

Cast opposite John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson in "Basic"

Appeared in "The Great Raid," based on a true story of the liberation of 500 POWs during WWII

Starred as a woman who comes between two brothers in "Brødre/Brothers"

Cast opposite John Cusack and Billy Bob Thornton in the "Ice Harvest," a dark comedy directed by Harold Ramis

Appeared in several episodes of "Law & Order: SVU," (NBC) as a temporarily replacement for a pregnant Mariska Hargitay

Cast as a journalist in the Iraq war drama, "The Situation"