Graduated from Tenafly High School, Tenafly, New Jersey where she began her acting career.
Auditioned for Baywatch Hawaii. Studied ballet as a teenager and participated in the Joffrey Ballet's summer programs. She began her stage career in earnest in Chicago, where she took over Madonna's role in the Chicago production of 'Speed the Plow', to great acclaim. She still does more stage work than film work, and she lives in New York. Partner of Jon Patrick Walker, their daughter Georgia was born in 2002. Studied under Uta Hagen at the HB Studio in the West Village in Manhattan. Was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in June 2004. Childhood friend of Mira Sorvino; they performed plays for the neighbors. Graduate of Vassar College (1986). Has a wheaten terrier named Charlie. Gave birth to her second child, a girl. [February 2005] Daughter, Georgia (born 2002). Her second daughter is named Mae. Mother is a retired school librarian.