She began her career appearing on Broadway and daytime soap operas, before landing supporting roles on the prime time dramas.

From 2000 to 2005, Hawthorne was regular cast member in the CBC Television police drama, Da Vinci's Inquest.

From 2000 to 2005, Hawthorne had regular supporting role on the Canadian police drama series Da Vinci's Inquest as Det.

In 2006, she was regular cast member in the short-lived HBO comedy series, Lucky Louie starring Louis C.K.

Hawthorne also has appeared on CSI: Miami, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Private Practice, Rizzoli & Isles, Southland, Castle, Criminal Minds, and NCIS: Los Angeles.