Her father, Morris Locke (né Mendel Lakomowitz[1]), was a Hebrew teacher and amateur writer.

[4] After appearing in small roles, at one time as an off-stage barking dog, her career was established by appearing in the 1937 Broadway play Having Wonderful Time, co-starring with John Garfield.

She began her film work in the late 1930s in bit parts, but she is remembered today as a stage actress.

In addition to appearing on a successful Broadway production of Hamlet playing Ophelia, her stage credits include starring with John Garfield in Having a Wonderful Time, Fifth Column with Lee J. Cobb, and Clash by Night with Tallulah Bankhead.

[6] Locke married radio writer Norman Corwin in Maryland in March 1947.