She’s an Irish TV, movie, and theatre actress who’s made a name for herself with standout roles in popular shows like Evermoor, Waterloo Road, and All Along the Watchtower. Over the years, her talent has shone through in both television and film, including memorable appearances in Les Miserables and Shakespeare in Love—two major projects that helped elevate her career. Before all the spotlight, though, life looked a bit different. She attended the Glasgow School of Art, where she studied graphic design and built a creative foundation that led her into a brief career designing book covers. It’s interesting to think about how her artistic journey began there, long before audiences knew her as a familiar face on screen. In 1989, she welcomed twin daughters, marking a deeply personal milestone amidst her evolving path in the arts. Through it all, she’s remained a compelling presence in entertainment, balancing her personal life with a diverse and enduring acting career.
She first got into acting when she joined the Questors Theatre Company, and that’s actually where she met Alan Rickman. It was during her time there that her passion for performing really began to grow, and looking back, it’s clear that joining the company was a turning point. She often reflects on those early days with fondness, especially since it led to such meaningful connections—like meeting Alan Rickman, who would go on to play a significant role in her life and career.