She began her acting career at just 17 as an acting ASM in repertory theatre. She was married to film Director Ken Russell from 1992 to 1999; they had one son, Rex. She has also been credited as Hettie Baynes, Henrieta Baynes, Henrietta Baynes, Hetty Russell and Hetty Baynes Russell. She obtained a BA in Philosophy from Birkbeck College London in 1990.