This star, like her mother, battled cancer and credited her parents for her strength in overcoming it. Despite the challenge, she persevered and later embraced motherhood later in life. Now, she takes pride in her role as a grandmother.
The former child actress, who welcomed her only child after beating breast cancer, celebrates her 75th birthday. See her stunning transformation in photos from her youth to today.
The actress pictured on May 30, 1981 | Source: Getty Images
Over the decades, the actress has showcased her versatility, leaving a lasting impact on stage and screen. While many remember her for her 1979 Broadway breakthrough in “Sugar Babies,” her journey in entertainment started much earlier.
The actress seen leaving Joanna’s restaurant on October 3, 1981, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
She was just four when she began performing and landed the role of Dainty June in “Gypsy” at 12. By the early 1980s, the TV star had established herself on television, starring in “Jennifer Slept Here” from 1983 to 1984.
Todd Bridges, Danny Cooksey, and the actress on the set of “Jennifer Slept Here,” 1984 | Source: Getty Images
She later returned to “It’s a Living” when the series was revived in syndication, reconnecting with audiences who first embraced her in the original run.
The actress photographed on January 1, 1984 | Source: Getty Images
Her talent has earned her industry recognition, including Emmy nominations for playing Mae West in a TV movie and for her role in “Ellis Island.” She also starred alongside Michael Keaton in “Mr. Mom,” adding to her list of screen credits.
The actress pictured on November 1, 1984 | Source: Getty Images
Despite her success, 1985 brought an unexpected battle. At 35 years old, the Hollywood star was diagnosed with breast cancer while filming “Alice in Wonderland,” in which she played the Red Queen.
The actress posing for a portrait on January 1, 1985, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
“I have never been one to neglect my health, including checkups and everything that goes along with them,” the Massachusetts native once shared. Though she had no history of serious illness, a routine self-exam led to a series of tests, conflicting opinions, and mounting uncertainty.
The actress posing for a portrait on January 1, 1985, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
What began as a minor concern escalated, and scans revealed a rapidly growing malignancy. Specialists urged immediate action. “In 60 years of practice, they had never witnessed such a rapid growth of cancer in the breast,” she recalled. A double mastectomy was recommended, prioritizing “life over death.”
The actress during a portrait session on March 1, 1987 | Source: Getty Images
Amid the uncertainty, support from friends became a source of comfort. One of her closest confidants, Sammy Davis Jr., offered kindness when she needed it most.
The celebrity attends the “ABC Affiliates Party” on June 14, 1990, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
When he learned about her diagnosis, he assured, “I’m on my knees tonight.” His generosity continued throughout her recovery, welcoming her into his home during chemotherapy.
The actress on the set of “The Disappearance of Vonnie,” 1994 | Source: Getty Images
Every week, he hosted movie nights in his private screening room and encouraged her to join. “‘I know you don’t want to go anywhere, but you are among friends here. Just put a turban on and come on over. Let’s watch movies,'” she recounted.
The actress departing from the Los Angeles International Airport on September 19, 1995, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Amid warmth and companionship, the actress found solace in meaningful moments. While the support of loved ones carried her through the toughest days, she attributed her resilience to something deeper.
The celebrity seen departing from the Los Angeles International Airport on October 7, 1996, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
“It came from my parents, who were themselves survivors of World War II,” the actress shared. After escaping Europe by bikes, they built a new life in the United States, instilling a strong work ethic in her.
The actress attends the funeral of her father on April 10, 2000, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Her mother faced breast cancer in her late 40s yet lived nearly to 90, a testament to perseverance. Faith also played a crucial role. “I went to Catholic school, and it’s never left me. It’s part of my being,” said the star.
She believed that “you need to have strength, goodness and something constant like faith in your life” to face life’s challenges. By the time she faced her health battle, she was already married with a supportive partner.
In 1977, she wed talent manager Andy Murcia, a former Chicago police sergeant. After years of marriage and overcoming significant challenges, the couple conceived their first child.