She was born in London, and made her debut in her brother's first opera, Rosamund, in 1733. In 1734, she married Theophilus Cibber, the son of playwright Colley Cibber, and became known as "Mrs Cibber" for professional purposes. A contralto, she was admired by Handel, who wrote parts specially for her in The Messiah and Samson. She also acted at Drury Lane, the theatre managed by her father-in-law, where she appeared with David Garrick.