After attending the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London, the British stage and television actress Minnie Driver, with her knack for comedy and character acting, made her big screen debut in Circle of Friends(1995) opposite Chris O'Donnell. The actress gained a much-ballyhooed 20 pounds for the role, however, upon shedding the weight, it took some time before she landed her next part as a Bond-girl in the 007 comeback flick, Goldeneye(1995), with Pierce Brosnan. She achieved true name recognition among American audiences and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress after appearing in the popular romantic, coming of age film, Gus Van Sant's Good Will Hunting(1997) opposite Matt Damon. The statuesque actress proved even more versatile as an action heroine in Hard Rain(1998).