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 joined Arena Stage at around twelve or thirteen years old, touring Russia with them. In 1978 she started 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 secured a Broadway role from 1988 to 1989 in a run of the play The Devil's Disciple.