She was chosen Miss Ireland in 1950,[3] which led to her coming to the United States.

She portrayed memorable characters in shows, such as The Donna Reed Show, Perry Mason, Bonanza, The Rebel, Have Gun - Will Travel and Gunsmoke.

In the 1959 Perry Mason episode "The Case of the Howling Dog", she played Thelma Brent.

[citation needed] Perhaps best known among her film roles was the "Hysterical Woman" in Zero Hour!

in a scene that was memorably spoofed 22 years later in Airplane!, then with Lee Bryant in the part.