Moved with her family every eighteen months when she was growing up due to father's army career

Formed dance troupe, Vile Bodies

Expelled from drama school

Toured in theater productions in Asia and the Middle East

Played the leading role in the TV drama "Christabel" by Dennis Potter (shown in USA in 1989 on PBS)

Feature film debut, "Aria"

First feature lead, opposite Hugh Grant, in "Rowing with the Wind"

First US feature "Passenger 57"

Chosen as model for Estee Lauder cosmetics and perfumes

Formed Simian Productions with Hugh Grant

Feature debut as producer, "Extreme Measures"

Cast in female lead in TNT miniseries "Samson and Delilah"

Had breakthrough comic screen role as Mike Myers' leading lady in "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery"

Played the wife of a drug addicted writer (Ben Stiller) in "Permanent Midnight"

Co-starred in "EDtv"

Briefly reprised role in the comedy sequel "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me"

Second producing venture, "Mickey Blue Eyes", a fish out of water comedy starring Hugh Grant

Played a sexy temptress in the remake of "Bedazzled"

Had supporting role in "The Weight of Water"; released in USA in 2001

Fined $100,000 by the Screen Actors Guild for making a commercial while the union was striking against advertisers

Co-starred in the comedy "Servicing Sara"