She relied on charity towards the end of her life and was the reason for the founding of the Drury Lane Theatrical Fund.
She debuted on stage at Covent Garden Theatre on 12 December 1745 playing Queen Isabel in Henry V. She married a fellow actor with the surname Brand.
She performed alongside David Garrick in 1746 playing Regan in King Lear, Anne Neville in Richard III, Emilia in Othello, and Dorinda in Strategem.
She was discovered by Tate Wilkinson, who saw her performing in a poorly received ensemble of Romeo and Juliet.
The Drury Lane Theatrical Fund was created due to her impoverished situation, since she was no longer employed at the theaters to receive pensions.