Born in Chicago, she began her career on television in the 1960s, gaining initial attention on the soap opera "Love is a Many Splendored Thing." She transitioned to film with roles in "Play Misty for Me" and others. Her most iconic role came as the scheming Abby Cunningham on the primetime soap "Knots Landing," a role she played from 1980 to 1989. Beyond acting, she has produced and has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, particularly focused on AIDS awareness and animal rights.