The daughter of a respectable psychologist, she was inspired to become an actress following a trip to Broadway in 1910 to see "The Girl With The Whooping Cough" starring Valeska Suratt. After receiving some education at the Professional Children's School she became active as a stage actress during the 1910s. She made her film debut in 1914 and went on to star in 22 motion pictures until 1937. During the Great Depression, she made a name for herself as a radio actress until her leave in 1939. She later became a well known drama teacher and educated hopefuls on the craft until the mid-1960s.
Stage actress. Infrequently appeared on Broadway from 1911-1926.
She was the oldest of five siblings.
She was a member of The Red Hat Society, The March of Dimes, and was a leader for Boy and Girl Scouts.
Is buried in Allegheny Cemetery in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.