Wissenswertes

Received her Bachelor's degree in Acting from the Catholic University of America.

Has been directing since age 15, when she adapted scripts and staged them for the Catholic Actors Guild in Los Angeles, California.

Was nominated for Broadway's 1956 Tony Award as Best Supporting or Featured Actress (Musical) for "Catch a Star".

Spent some time touring with United States Army productions as a "civilian actress technician" in post-war years.

In honor of her 95th birthday on May 5, 2022, she was recognized with her name being cited first, and foremost, in national Born on This Day mention columns.

Performed in nearly 200 stock and regional theater productions before she made her Broadway debut in 1955.

As a devout Roman Catholic, her religious views inform her choice of what roles to accept, and in which productions, to appear.

During the summers from 1951-1953, she starred at a famous launching pad for comic talent, the Tamiment resort in Pennsylvania, where Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca got their early training.

Received an honorary doctorate of Fine Arts from Siena College in Albany, New York.

Mother of Tara Karsian, Kerry Karsian and Sean Karsian.

Attended and graduated from Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles, California.

She is a lifelong Republican.