Born on June 13, 1962, in New York City, she began her career as a teenager with appearances in stage productions and TV movies. She gained fame in the 1980s as part of the "Brat Pack," starring in iconic films such as "The Breakfast Club" and "St. Elmo's Fire." Throughout her career, she showcased versatility in both film and television, earning critical acclaim for her role in "High Art." Beyond acting, she has also pursued writing and teaching, contributing to the arts in various forms.