She first rose to fame in the 1950s, captivating audiences with her performances in classic films like Money from Home and Hollywood or Bust. Over time, this talented screen actress made a smooth transition into television, where she continued to shine in popular shows such as Please Don’t Eat the Daisies, Port Charles, and Generations.
Before she became a household name, she was already making waves on Broadway. Early in her career, she graced the stage in several notable productions, including Southern Exposure, Four Twelves are 48, and Tovarich, showcasing her versatility and range as a performer.
In her personal life, she found love and family early on. Her first marriage was to Ed Hookstratten, and together they welcomed two children, Ann and Jon. Later in life, she married Andy Friendly, beginning a new chapter that reflected both stability and companionship.
Throughout it all, her legacy as a dedicated and enduring figure in entertainment remained strong—each role she took on adding depth to her remarkable journey. And even as decades passed, her contributions to film and television ensured that her name would continue to be remembered.
She was best known for portraying the character Emily Fallmont on the popular 1980s soap opera Dynasty, a role that really defined her early career. Her performance as Emily Fallmont brought a lot of attention and helped establish her presence in the world of television dramas. Over the years, she continued to build on that success, but it was her time on Dynasty—especially as Emily Fallmont—that fans remembered most.