Von Behren was a forewoman for a dry goods store in Brooklyn, when at the age of 19, she realized a sudden yearning to become an actress.
Von Behren's career as a dramatic actress began in 1876, traveling for a year with Rose and Harry Watson.
Von Behren joined the Si Slocum company of Frank Frayne at Harry Miner's Theater in the fall of 1881.
During the fourth act of this production she was shot in the head and killed by Frayne, when he pointed a .22 caliber parlor rifle at her and it accidentally discharged.
During a police deposition on December 2 Frayne stated that "the thread of the screw which held the spring catch was worn or torn off, and that sent the bullet below its aim."
The presiding judge agreed with the actor who claimed to have pointed the gun at an apple six inches above the head of Von Behren.