A native of Staten Island, Rowland was born into a family of actors and artists.
Her brother played her husband on As the World Turns (Dr. Dan Stewart), although they appeared on the show in different years.
She has appeared as Dr. Susan Stewart on As the World Turns and Carolee Simpson Aldrich, R. N. #2 on The Doctors starting September 7, 1976, until the final episode on December 31, 1982.
In her signature role, Rowland portrayed Amy Ames Britton Kincaid on The Secret Storm for most of its 20-year run.
Published children's books she has illustrated include Bringing the Farmhouse Home (by Gloria Whelan, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1992); Miss Tizzy (by Libba Moore Gray, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1993); The Statue of Liberty (by Lucille Recht Penner, Random House, 1995); and Raising the Roof (by Ronald Kidd, Habitat for Humanity International, 1995).