Born in the Bronx, New York

Raised in Westchester County

Began acting in dinner theaters

Auditioned for Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro; eventually given screen test for role in "Raging Bull"

Film acting debut, played Vicki La Motta in "Raging Bull"; received a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination

Last film for six years, "Neighbors"

Was in a car crash which required major back surgery

Briefly returned to New York state to live

Resumed film career in "White of an Eye"

Had back surgery to correct lingering complications from the car accident

TV debut in "The Reunion" episode of CBS' "Wiseguy"

Formed production company, Hey Pizza Lady Productions

Delivered deliciously comic turn as the scheming Montana Morehead in the comedy "Soapdish"

Portrayed Armand Assante's lover in "The Mambo Kings"

Played the missing witness sought by undervcover cops in "Another Stakeout"

Had villainous role in the hit film "Casper"

Cast as series regular on CBS sitcom, "Bless This House"

Had small role as the mother of the lead characters in "A Brother's Kiss"

Cast as Harvey Keitel's wife in "Cop Land"

Appeared as Alyssa Milano's mom in "Hugo Pool"; screened at Sundance Film Festival; aired on The Movie Channel

Played an aunt to the witch Wendy in the direct-to-video "Casper Meets Wendy"

Had small role as a madam in "Gloria", starring Gena Rowlands

Portrayed Melanie Griffith's sister-in-law in "Crazy in Alabama"

Co-starred as the homophobic director of a camp to rehabilitate gay and lesbian teens in "But I'm a Cheerleader"; premiered at Toronto Film Festival; released theatrically in 2000

Reunited with Keitel in "The Prince of Central Park"

Voiced Ruby in the direct-to-video animated feature "Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure"

Reunited with De Niro in "Analyze That"