Has one daughter, Heather Kinlaw, who has graduated from public policy school.
In 1970, starred opposite Lauren Bacall on Broadway in Applause, musical adaptation of the movie classic, All About Eve (1950). Bacall played fading Broadway star Margo Channing (Bette Davis ' role in the film) and Penny played conniving, grasping actress Eve Harrington (Anne Baxter's role).
Made her Broadway debut in 1962 in A Moon Besieged. She later served as a starring replacement in popular '60s Broadway hits such as Barefoot in the Park, as Corrie, and Cabaret, as Sally Bowles.
Trained for her craft at Illinois' Northwestern University.
Was twice-nominated for Broadway's Tony Award: in 1970 as best supporting or featured actress (musical) for Applause and, in 2001, as best actress (featured role - play) for Neil Simon's The Dinner Party.
Won an Emmy Award for her performance in The Elephant Man (1982) (TV). Anne Bancroft played her role in the big-screen version.