fonte was born in buena park, california. by the time she was seven she was playing piano, dancing, and appearing in commercials for pacific gas & electric and lawry's. at age nine she was performing at local shopping centers including regular shows at the "old town mall" in torrance, california. while doing some work at the al gilbert studio in 1975 she was noticed by a talent scout who ended up inviting her to interview and later, audition for the show.