Catherine Jane McCormack (born 3 April 1972) is a highly-acclaimed English actress, best known for her striking film appearances in various roles. Her filmography includes prominent movies like Braveheart (1995), The Land Girls (1998), Dangerous Beauty (1998), Dancing at Lughnasa (1998), Spy Game (2001), and 28 Weeks Later (2007). She was born in Epsom, Surrey, England. McCormack has Irish ancestry. Tragically, her mother died of lupus when she was only six years old. She was raised by her steelworker father and grew up with her brother Stephen. McCormack received her education at the Oxford School of Drama. McCormack began her acting career in 1994 and continues to be active to date.

A role that brought her critical acclaim and recognition was when she portrayed Murron MacClannough in Braveheart. Her screen debut was for Anna Campion-directed film Loaded in 1994. McCormack made remarks on that experience, stating that she had a miserable time due to the director's attitude. After Braveheart, she continued her successful streak starring along with Anna Friel and Rachel Weisz in David Leland's The Land Girls. Despite her resounding success on screen, McCormack confessed a personal preference for theatre, citing the actor's liberty on stage.