Born on May 25, 1969, in Aurora, Ohio, she rose to fame in the late 1990s with roles in films like "Donnie Brasco," "Volcano," and "Six Days, Seven Nights." She began her career on the soap opera "Another World," earning a Daytime Emmy Award. Known for her versatility, she also appeared in television series such as "Men in Trees" and "The Brave." Her personal life often attracted media attention, notably her relationship with Ellen DeGeneres. She passed away in August 2022.