 Her father was architect Thomas R. Johnson, who worked in the firm of Cass Gilbert, the architect of several noteworthy buildings in New York City, including the Woolworth Building, the New York Customs House, and many library buildings.When she was a junior, she dropped out of Grew Seminary to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.Her professional acting debut was in "Beggar on Horseback", and she acted in "R.U.R."