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.