Trivia

Suffered from chronic leukemia for 21 years before her death in 2010.

Gave birth to her first child at age 38, daughter Lily Rabe, on 6/29/82. Child's father is her husband, David Rabe.

Gave birth to her second child at age 41, son Michael Rabe on 7/13/85. Child's father is her husband, David Rabe.

Upon her death she was cremated and her ashes are in the possession of the family.

Ironically, she died from the same disease as a character she played in Griffin and Phoenix (1976). "Sarah Phoenix".

Mother, Julia Clayburgh, was a former theatrical production secretary to David Merrick. Father, Albert Clayburgh, was an industrial textiles salesman.

Turned down the role of Norma Rae (1979), which won Sally Field her first Oscar.

Her first grandchild was born via daughter Lily Rabe in March 2017.

Was two months pregnant with her son Michael Rabe when she completed filming on Where Are the Children? (1985).

Graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 1966 with a bachelor in theater.

Her father was from a well-established Jewish family (from Germany, Portugal and France), with roots in the US going back to the 1700s. Her paternal great-great-great-grandfather, Maj. Benjamin Nones, fought in the American Revolution. Her mother had English, distant Welsh, and remote Dutch, ancestry.

She studied drama at HB Studio in Greenwich Village in New York City.

Daughter of Albert (1909-97) and Julia (née Dorr) Clayburgh (1910-75). Both were born and raised in New York.

Confirmed in 1991, along with several other actresses, that she had undergone an abortion prior to its legalization in America.

Attended the prestigious Brearley School in Manhattan.

Was among the first generation of 70's actresses--including Jane Fonda, Ellen Burstyn, Diane Keaton, Carrie Snodgress and Marsha Mason--known for portraying characters sprung from the New Age feminism era: smart, independent, capable, but often times neurotic. Her film decline coincided with the conservative Reagan administration and a loss of interest in the feminist movement.

Sister of Jim Clayburgh.

Paternal granddaughter of Albert (1863-1946), born in New York, and Alma (née Lachenbruch) Clayburgh (1881-1958), born in Pennsylvania.

Romantically involved with Al Pacino (1967-72).

Stepmother of Jason Rabe.

Paternal great-granddaughter of Emanuel (1818-77), born in Germany, and Eveline (née Nones) Clayburgh (1827-1912), born in New York.