Graduate of Mrs.Dow's School of Acting in New York. Began as a specialty dancer in 'Music Box Revue', then performed in stock companies in Rochester, New York. On stage from 1924 with 'Dancing Mothers' and 'Quarantine', playing leads by 1927 in plays like 'Bye, Bye Bonnie'. Returned to the stage after her film career faltered in the mid-30', starring as 'Lulu Belle' in Los Angeles and co-starring in 'Piper Paid' on Broadway.
Niece of actress Fay Bainter.
Often cast in films as women of Hispanic backgrounds.
Was involved in a head-on collision in San Francisco in 1932, in which a passenger of the car she was driving died. She suffered a nervous breakdown as a result.