An American actress and author, she gained prominence in the early 1980s for her role in "Raging Bull." Her career was marked by both talent and resilience, notably surviving a near-fatal stabbing in 1982. This harrowing experience led her to become an advocate for victims' rights, founding the Victims for Victims organization. She also portrayed herself in the TV movie "Victims for Victims: The Theresa Saldana Story." Her work continued on television, including a notable role in "The Commish."