Trivia

She became a star overnight following the international success of the social drama Secrets & Lies (1996) in 1996, becoming the very first black British actress nominated for an Oscar award.

Recorded an album of blues songs. Also a writer/composer.

Classically trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and performed at the Royal National Theatre.

Her husband, Evan, is a ballet dancer.

In 1997, became the first black actress to fail to receive an NAACP Image Award nomination for an Oscar nominated role since the establishment of the awards.

Gave birth to her only child at age 30, a son Pascale Raphael Williams, on April 14, 1998.

Best known for her colloboration with director Mike Leigh on stage "It's a Great Big Shame" (1993), and especially the breakout film Secrets & Lies (1996). She also composed the musical score for Leigh's 1997 film Career Girls (1997).

Claimed racism after being excluded from the actor group promoting British talent at the Cannes Film Festival.

Friends with Angela Bassett.

Middle name spelled, alternately (varying), as Raigipcien or Ragipcean, but Ragipcien appears to be the most likely spelling.