Sarah Alexander

As one of the most prolific television actresses of her generation, Sarah Alexander appeared on some of the most noteworthy British comedies of the 2000s. Her most memorable role came in 2000 when she starred as the straight-laced Susan Walker on the hit relationship comedy, "Coupling" (BBC 2000-2004). After the show ended its run on the BBC, Alexander continued to nab parts on various BBC comedies, including "The Worst Week of My Life" (2004-06), "Mutual Friends" (2008), and "Me and Mr. Jones," among several others. Although primarily known for her comedic work, in 2013 Alexander joined the cast of the long-running mystery series, "Jonathan Creek" (BBC 1997- ), proving she was more than just a funny actress.

Born into a showbiz family (her father was a prominent non-fiction TV producer), Sarah Alexander was first bit by the acting bug at age 19, when she left home to perform at the famed Edinburgh Fringe Festival. When she returned a few short weeks later, Alexander turned down a spot at the prestigious Manchester University to pursue acting full-time. Throughout her 20s, Alexander supported herself with small roles on British TV shows, including "Lovejoy" (BBC 1986-1994), "The Bill" (ITV 1984-2010) and "Red Dwarf" (BBC Two 1988-1999), among numerous others. Her big break came in 2000 when she was cast as the wildly sensible Susan Walker on "Coupling." Alexander and her cast-mates became household names in Britain during the show's run, allowing her the mainstream credentials to pursue other projects when the show ended in 2004. She followed the smash success of "Coupling" by appearing in the American version of the British comedy "Teachers" (NBC 2006). However, that show failed to find an audience across the pond and was abruptly cancelled during its first season. Undeterred, Alexander nabbed recurring spots on several TV comedies over the next several years, including "Mutual Friends" and "Me and Mrs. Jones," as well as a small part in the fantasy adventure film "Stardust." By the early 2010s comedy was widely considered Alexander's professional strong suit, but that still did not prevent her from joining the cast of the BBC's ongoing mystery-crime show "Jonathan Creek." Alexander appeared on the show in 2013 as Polly Creek, the wife of the show's lead investigative journalist and namesake.