I had three influential teachers. The first was Uta Hagen. The second two, Bobby Lewis and my late husband, Charles Kakatsakis, were both from the Actors Studio.

My whole thing is, I collect what I know I want to read, and I have certain bookshelves in my bedroom that contain all the books I haven't read yet.

I was born and grew up in Vandalia, Illinois, a small town of about 6,000. It was farm country, and this was the little county seat.

To make money in New York, you have to add gigs when starting out, so while I was acting quite a bit, I would do modeling.

I had three influential teachers. The first was Uta Hagen. The second two, Bobby Lewis and my late husband, Charles Kakatsakis, were both from the Actors Studio.

It's in my nature to feel, 'I could be this! This could be mine!'

I loved New York. I made enough money and studied acting with Kenneth McMillan, which was my first formal training.