Born into a theatrical family, she began her acting career in the silent film era and transitioned successfully to talkies. She became known for her versatility, starring in a range of genres from film noir to comedies. Her career was marked by collaborations with prominent directors like Fritz Lang. In the 1940s, she gained fame for her roles in films such as "Scarlet Street" and "The Woman in the Window." Later, she found success on television, notably in the gothic soap opera "Dark Shadows."