Natalie Dormer

Behind every man with a thirst for sex and power is an equally clever, manipulative woman…who could be played brilliantly by Natalie Dormer. After breaking out in 2007 as the seductive Anne Boleyn on The Tudors, the 31-year-old Brit is embodying both King Joffrey’s (Jack Gleeson) shrewd betrothed Margaery Tyrell on HBO’s Game of Thrones and Sherlock Holmes’ (Jonny Lee Miller) iconic love Irene Adler on CBS’ Elementary (through the May 16 season finale). ”What I love about Irene is unlike Anne Boleyn or Margaery Tyrell, she’s not the pawn of a family,” Dormer says. ”Everything she’s doing is motivated for and by herself.” Though playing Irene offers sartorial advantages — Dormer says she’s a fan of ”wearing jeans and being in modern dress” — Irene and Margaery share the skills to win any battle of wits. ”Their weapons are their minds,” says Dormer. Not that the actress couldn’t handle games of a different kind — if her IMDb profile, which says she enjoys fencing, is to be believed. ”That’s out-of-date,” admits Dormer. ”I haven’t picked up a sword in over seven years now. Although, you know, if there are any movie producers thinking that way, call my agent. I’d love to get back into it.” Well played, my lady.