Born on August 23, 1949, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, she pursued drama at Northwestern University before leaving to focus on acting. Rising to fame in the early 1980s, she became widely recognized for her role as Diane Chambers on the hit TV series "Cheers," earning an Emmy Award. Transitioning to film, she starred in movies like "Night Shift" and "Troop Beverly Hills." Known for her comedic talent and distinctive voice, she has continued to work in both television and film across several decades.