She was discovered at 15 in Covent Garden, by the same scout who discovered Naomi Campbell, and embarked on a successful career as a model. She modeled in Paris and London for Chanel, Yves Saint-Laurent and Vivienne Westwood. But she'd studied drama since she was a child and made her first film at the age of 17, leaving the catwalk behind.

She is the daughter of highly political, socialist-feminist parents. In childhood, she sold the Socialist Worker newsletter for pocket money, attended marches and rallies after school with her activist mother and stepfather, and even shared her home with striking miners.

In the Independent on Sunday [UK] 2006 Pink LIst - a list of the most influential gay men and women - Saffron Burrows came no. 90, a new entry. She is romantically linked with Harry Potter and The Black Dahlia (2006) actress Fiona Shaw.

Dated actor Alan Cumming.