American actress who was born in Hartford, Connecticut, USA to a family of Norwegian origin. She received a Miss Golden Globe Award in 1964, a Golden Globe Award in 1982, a PCA Award in 1986, and a star on the Walk of Fame in 1987. She married actor and director John Derek (1968-1974) and then actor Stan Herman (1975-1981). Among her most important works are The Big Valley (1965), Mitchell (1975), and Tom Horn (1980). She studied at Hollywood High School. She participated in theatrical work for a short period in the eighties and worked on British and American television. She also participated in an advertising campaign for soft drinks.