- In high school, she was involved with cheerleading, drama, and music, including playing clarinet in the All-State band.
- She attended Morningside College and then transferred to the University of Northern Iowa, studying theatre and graduating with a degree in English in 1966.
- She made her Broadway debut as Wilma in the 1974 musical Over Here!, which was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Musical.
- Her parents were, Lefa Mary (née Pash; 1918-2011) and the Rev. Paul Somerville (1919-1995); the family moved around as Mr. Somerville preached at different churches.
- She had three brothers: Bruce (also an actor), Paul (1947-2005) and Stephen, a pathologist.
- She was a lifelong liberal Democrat.
- At one point in her life, she became a resident equity actress with the Arena Stage in Washington, DC.
- In college, she starred in productions such as The Visit, Electra, and Macbeth.
- She was a member of the Labyrinth Theater Company.
- Upon her death, she was cremated and her ashes returned to her family.
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