Made her stage debut in "Horatio"

Was an assistant professor of theater at Carnegie-Mellon University

Feature film debut, "Soup for One"

Taught acting at New York University

Made TV debut on the ABC daytime soap, "All My Children"

First play produced, "On the Road"

Moved to Los Angeles

Was a professor in the drama department at Stanford University

Breakthrough role as the solo performer playing multiple and diverse characters in "Fires in the Mirror"; also wrote play

Appeared in Jonathan Demme's film about AIDS and homosexuality, "Philadelphia"

Once again was the solo performer of multiple characters in "Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992"; first opened in LA and later moved to NY; nominated for two Tony Awards for Best Actress and Best Play

Played the president's press secretary in Rob Reiner's "The American President"; scripted by Aaron Sorkin

First produced stage play with a cast of actors, "House Arrest: First Edition"

Reworked the stage play of "House Arrest" for the Los Angeles stage

Starred in film version of "Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992"; presented in a special screening at the Sundance Film Festival

Had a recurring role as District Attorney Kate Brunner on "The Practice" (ABC)

Had a recurring role on the NBC White House drama, "The West Wing"; created by Aaron Sorkin

Cast in "The Human Stain," opposite Anthony Hopkins and Nicole Kidman

Co-starred in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical, "Rent"

Played Deputy National Security Advisor in Peter Berg's "The Kingdom"

Co-starred in Jonathan Demme's "Rachel Getting Married"

Cast as hospital administrator Mrs. Akalitus in Showtime's dark comedy, "Nurse Jackie"