Lara Pulver

Lara Pulver developed a solid reputation among West End audiences for her fine work in musicals and used the skills she acquired on stage to impress television viewers on popular programs syndicated throughout the world. She was introduced on the small screen via a lush new incarnation of "Robin Hood" (BBC, 2006-09) and turned heads on the erotic horror series "True Blood" (HBO, 2008-14), but her breakthrough came via a very memorable guest appearance on "Sherlock" (2010- ), the BBC's smart and stylish update of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's venerable sleuthing saga. Cast as one of the detective's most famous adversaries, Pulver's take on the sinister Irene Adler presented the character as formidable and sexually aggressive enough to nonplus even the unflappable Holmes. A scene in which Pulver appeared to be naked onscreen caused controversy when broadcast in England, but it was her confidence and skill in the role that made the episode a critical and fan favorite, and earned the actress critical accolades. The "Sherlock" assignment provided new notoriety for Pulver and the proficiency with which she embodied both the character's aggressive bearing and the more brittle being underneath that facade provided an excellent showcase of further possibilities as an actress.