Born in Rochelle, Illinois, USA

Studied acting at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston under Glendon Gabbard.

Parents: Dorothy Allen, a housewife, and Jeff Allen, a gas-station owner. Her father died in 1995.

Graduated from the same university as Dan Castellaneta, Justin Mentell, and Matt Ricci.

Chosen as Most Likely to Succeed by friends when graduating from high school.

Mother was a homemaker and father was a garage attendant.

Is the youngest of 4 children.

Her Boston terrier is called Nora.

Has worked with two "Hannibal Lecters." She appeared in the first Lecter film, Manhunter (1986), with Brian Cox. She later played Pat Nixon in the film Nixon (1995), opposite Anthony Hopkins. Brian Cox later appeared with her again in The Bourne Supremacy (2004).

Ensemble member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

Daughter born, Sadie. [March 1994]

Transferred to Northern Illinois University in 1976 where she graduated.

Spouse: Peter Friedman (1 January 1990 - 2002) (divorced) 1 child

Listed as one of twelve "Promising New Actors of 1986" in John Willis` Screen World, Vol. 38. [1986]

Has won many Stage awards and won a Tony in 1989 for her debut Broadway performance in Burn This.