She was born to a politically activist family. Both of her parents are socialists. At age 15 she was discovered by a modeling talent scout (she stands about 6 foot tall), and she began a successful modeling career in England and France. Two years later she chose to pursue an interest in acting.

She debuted in the film Welcome to the Terra Dome as Jodie, then had a role in the movie In the Name of the Father (1993). Her first significant acting role was as an ambitious somewhat self-hating Irish lass in Circle of Friends (1995), which included Colin Firth and Minnie Driver. Subsequently she appeared in Hotel de Love. Since then she has acted in numerous other films, including a number of less-celebrated movies and a few flops.