Has appeared in 20 different operas singing in five languages.

Had never seen the stage version of The Phantom of the Opera (2004) prior to filming the screen version.

Made her stage debut at seven years of age (she sang "Happy Birthday" for her audition) at the New York Metropolitan Opera. She made $5 a night singing with the children's choir. According to her, "There were horses onstage that were getting $150".

Her father is a banker and her mother is a corporate photographer.

Took cooking classes at Le Cordon Bleu in London.

In preparation for her role in The Phantom of the Opera (2004), she attended a séance at the Spiritualist Association of Great Britian, where a medium talked to her about her late grandmother.

Won Best Young Actress in 2004 Critic's Choice Awards

She obtained her high school diploma online via a Stanford University program.

Has celiac disease, an autoimmune disease in which the body can't tolerate any foods containing gluten or wheat.

Is an only child.

Her favorite actors are Sean Penn (her Mystic River (2003) co-star) and Miranda Richardson (her The Phantom of the Opera (2004) co-star).

Attending Columbia University.

Hobbies include reading, horseback riding, and ballet.

Her favorite book is John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men".

Is Dutch and Scot-Irish.

Currently recording a pop album for Geffen Records [April 2006]

Cousin is Cecilia Becker, daughter of world-famous designer Vera Wang.

Her favorite designer is Ralph Lauren.

She is a fan of Audrey Hepburn.

Her favorite opera is "Carmen".

Used to be a vegetarian.

Is related to Vera Wang by marriage.