An American actress and director, she gained prominence in the late 1960s with her Academy Award-nominated role in "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter." She became widely known for her collaborations with Clint Eastwood, starring in several films during the 1970s and 1980s such as "The Outlaw Josey Wales" and "Sudden Impact." Beyond acting, she directed films like "Ratboy" and "Impulse." Her career was marked by a high-profile legal battle with Warner Bros., highlighting industry challenges faced by women.