Born on May 23, 1965, in Lexington, Kentucky, she began her career in the early 1990s, initially appearing in television commercials and guest-starring roles on TV shows. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Carol Peletier on AMC's "The Walking Dead," a character praised for its depth and evolution. Before acting, she worked as a casting director. Known for her nuanced performances, she has become a fan favorite and received several award nominations for her work on the series.