A former actress, she joined Arena Stage at the age of about twelve or thirteen, touring Russia with them. In 1978 she began studying at the Catholic University of America before dropping out to attend the Circle in the Square Theatre School in New York City from 1980 to 1982. In New York she landed a Broadway role from 1988 to 1989 in a run of the play The Devil's Disciple.
A former actress, she started her professional journey with Arena Stage at around twelve or thirteen years old and toured Russia with them. In 1978, she began her education at the Catholic University of America but later enrolled in the Circle in the Square Theatre School in New York City from 1980 to 1982. She secured a role on Broadway in The Devil's Disciple from 1988 to 1989.