Character actress best known for playing Ellen DeGeneres' mom on the comedienne's sitcom, "Ellen" (1994), from 1994-1998.
First met husband actor Stephen Elliott while both were appearing on Broadway in "Traveller Without Luggage" in 1964. They did not marry until 1980.
Has two sons from her first marriage to Roger O. Hirson: David Hirson and Christopher Hirson.
Mother of playwright David Hirson (La Bete, Wrong Mountain).