Born on August 27, 1943, in New York City, she became a successful child model before transitioning to acting. She gained fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s with roles in films like "The Five Pennies" and "Wild in the Country." Known for her beauty and talent, she often portrayed troubled young women. Despite early stardom, she chose to work selectively, earning critical acclaim with roles in "Looking for Mr. Goodbar" and "Once Upon a Time in America." Her career spans decades, marked by a preference for complex characters.