Archie made her film debut in the British hit Fish & Chips (1999). Since then, she has continued to work on international blockbuster films, from Joue-la comme Beckham (2002) and The Constant Gardener (2005) to critically acclaimed films like Un coeur invaincu (2007) (starring opposite Angelina Jolie) and Yasmin (2004) (written by Simon Beaufoy).
Archie won Best Actress for her role in Yasmin (2004) at the Reims Festival in 2006 and was awarded the Shooting Star Award at the Berlin International Film Festival 2005. The award is given to actors who are seen as "the most exciting and emerging actors from across Europe" (European Film Promotion). Previous winners include Daniel Craig and Marion Cotillard. She was selected from hundreds of actors to represent the UK.
She has a great ear for accents. From Scottish to Indian to American, all of her major film & TV roles have been in accents other than her own.
Archie always knew she wanted to become an actress. It was only when Nick Berry from EastEnders (1985) replied to a letter did she find an agent and roles. Her first casting call was for EastEnders (1985), the role of Ricky Butcher's girlfriend. She was called but didn't end up getting the part. She graduated from Brunel University, England, with a degree in Management Studies (BSc). She graduated with a 2:1.
Ridley Scott is a big fan of hers.
