She was born in Waterbury, Connecticut and attended the American Academy of Dramatic Art in New York City. She became known for her no-nonsense roles in such films as The Women and His Girl Friday.
She married Frederick Brisson, a movie and play producer, on 25 October, 1941.
She was nominated four times for the Academy Award for Best Actress:
She died after a long battle with breast cancer in 1976 at the age of 69, although initially her age was misreported because she had shaved a few years off her true age. She was survived by her husband, and her son, Lance Brisson.She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1708 Vine Street.
She is buried in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Culver City, California.