Born in 1945 in Shreveport, Louisiana, she began her career as a model before transitioning to acting. She gained recognition in the 1980s with roles in television series like "Hart to Hart" and "The Love Boat." She is best known for her role as Captain Rachel Garrett in "Star Trek: The Next Generation." Her film credits include "Piranha II: The Spawning." Throughout her career, she appeared in numerous TV shows, showcasing her versatility across genres.