Perry was born in Chicago to actors Laurie Metcalf and Jeff Perry.[1] Her first television roles were two appearances as Jackie Harris (as seen in flashback) on the ABC sitcom Roseanne, the character portrayed by her mother.[3] Her parents, however, did not want her to pursue acting until she became an adult, fearing the effect of stress.[4] Perry said she was too shy to act in high school, but began performing at Northwestern University,[4] as a way to make friends after transferring from Boston University.[5]