She rose to prominence in the 1970s, gaining widespread recognition for her role as detective Sally McMillan in the popular series McMillan and Wife—a performance that truly put her on the map. As the years went by, she continued to build an impressive career, stepping into another beloved role during the next decade on the show Kate & Allie, further solidifying her place in television history. Before all the fame and spotlight, though, her journey started quite differently. She began working as a model while still a teenager, showing early signs of charm and poise. Then, at the age of twenty, she made the bold move to California to chase her dream of becoming an actress. Along the way, her personal life saw its share of ups and downs—she experienced two marriages and divorces before finding lasting love with Dick Ebersol, whom she married in 1981. Together, they built a family, and one of their children, her son Charlie Ebersol, followed in creative footsteps, carving out a successful path as a TV producer. Through it all, she remained a resilient and enduring figure in the entertainment world.
She appeared in a number of popular TV sitcoms, brought energy to the broadcast booth as a commentator for WWF Wrestlemania, and dedicated her time to meaningful causes like volunteering for the Special Olympics. She truly made an impact across entertainment and philanthropy, showing just how versatile and compassionate she could be. Whether it was making audiences laugh on screen or supporting athletes through the Special Olympics, she gave her all—and that’s exactly what made her stand out.