Born in Quincy, Massachusetts, she began her career on Broadway in the 1910s before transitioning to film in the 1940s. Known for her spirited personality and distinctive voice, she gained acclaim later in life, earning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for "Rosemary's Baby" in 1968. A talented writer, she co-wrote several successful screenplays with her husband, Garson Kanin. Her memorable roles include parts in "Harold and Maude" and "Every Which Way but Loose."