Torv graduated from Benowa State High School in 1996. She graduated from Australia's National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) with a degree in Performing Arts in 2001.
In 2003, Torv played the role of Ophelia with the Bell Shakespeare Company in John Bell's production of Hamlet. In 2004, she joined the cast of Australia's acclaimed television drama The Secret Life of Us playing Nikki Martel.
In 2005, Torv recorded a series of audio books for Scholastic Australia’s Solo Collection, including titles Little Fingers, Jack's Owl, Spike, and Maddy in The Middle and later voiced Nariko in the 2007 video game Heavenly Sword.
In December 2008, Torv married her Fringe co-star Mark Valley. They separated after one year of marriage.
Torv has been listed as one of "TV's 100 Sexiest Women" by BuddyTV four times. She ranked #16 in 2009, #27 in 2010, #48 in 2011 and #68 in 2012.
In March 2016, Torv was cast in the role of Wendy Carr, an FBI Consultant, in the Netflix drama Mindhunter from David Fincher and Charlize Theron.
