Lucy Punch

Lucy Punch embodied the confidence of a rising star and the dedication of a seasoned performer every time she stepped foot in front of a camera. The British actress first impressed on a number of made-for-television movies before being cast as a regular on the comedy series "Doc Martin" (ITV, 2004- ) as an eccentric receptionist, and on the sitcom, "The Class" (CBS, 2006-07), as a TV reporter who struggled with coming face-to-face with a former flame.

Punch stayed mostly out of the Hollywood limelight for many years and becoming accustomed to parts that required her to play someone's ditzy, pretty sidekick. But it was not long before she (deservedly) shared top billing with A-list movie stars like Steve Carrell in the comedy, "Dinner for Schmucks" (2010), and Anthony Hopkins in the drama, "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger" (2010), where her turn as a free-spirited call girl marrying one of her clients paved the way for many more challenging roles throughout her long career.

Lucy Punch was born on Dec. 30,1977 in London, England. At age 16, she started performing with the National Youth Theatre. She briefly attended University College London, but dropped out to pursue her acting fulltime. Her first onscreen acting credits included appearances in a number of TV movies and shows including a featured role on "Let Them Eat Cake" (1999), a short-lived spin-off series starring the famed comedic duo, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders.

In 2004, Punch became a series regular on the sitcom, "Doc Martin," which followed a socially inept surgeon (Martin Clunes) who moved from his high-profile London clinic to a small seaside town. She played his wacky receptionist who sported long, pink dreadlocks. Roles in comedies like "Being Julia" ( 2004) as an aspiring actress and "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers" (2004) showcased Punch's natural comedic skills. She then landed a lead role on the sitcom, "The Class," as a successful TV reporter who, at a reunion years later, confronts her high school crush who had revealed to her that he was gay during their prom date. After the series wrapped up, Punch starred in the hit buddy-cop comedy, "Hot Fuzz" (2007), opposite Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.

The year 2010 was a banner one for the talented actress, whose career suddenly went red hot with starring roles in several big-budget Hollywood movies released that year. As a sexy, lunatic party guest, Punch was the breakout star in the comedy, "Dinner for Schmucks," opposite Paul Rudd and Steve Carell. She also impressed as a carefree ex-prostitute who married Anthony Hopkins' character in the drama, "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger," written and directed by Woody Allen. Punch's character was originally meant for Nicole Kidman, who pulled out of the movie due to scheduling conflicts.

That same year, Punch starred on the comedy series, "Vexed" (BBC2), about an unlikely pair of detectives who spend more time on their personal dramas than in solving crime. She tussled with Cameron Diaz' character for Justin Timberlake's affection in the romantic comedy, "Bad Teacher" (2011), also featuring Jason Segel and Eric Stonestreet.