Actress Eve Best, born Emily Best, was born on July 31, 1971 in London, England. She started performing from as early as when she was nine years old, already participating in opera performances and play readings. After studying at Oxford’s Lincoln College—during which time she toured in the Edinburgh Festival—she made her professional debut in a production of Much Ado About Nothing. She became a stalwart of the London fringe scene before deciding to train at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, where she graduated in 1999.

Best immediately established herself in the West End, taking home best newcomer awards from the Evening Standard and the London Critics’ Circle for her performance in ‘Tis A Pity She’s A Whore. She later won an Olivier Award for her performance in Hedda Gabler, and was nominated for another one for her performance in A Moon for the Misbegotten. She eventually made her way to Broadway, where her performance for the aforementioned play gave her a Tony nomination.

Best appeared intermittently in television and film, mostly in British projects such as the acclaimed drama Prime Suspect. She is set to appear in the Showtime series Nurse Jackie.