Born on December 6, 1948, in Houston, Texas, she is an accomplished American actress known for her versatile performances in film, television, and theater. She gained prominence with her role in the 1982 horror classic "Poltergeist" and its sequel. A graduate of Brown University, she initially pursued social work before transitioning to acting. She has been nominated for several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. She also served as president of the Screen Actors Guild Foundation.