A respected stage-trained supporting and leading player, Sternhagen made her film debut in "Up the Down Staircase" (1967). She subsequently appeared in a wide range of supporting roles, usually as either prim, slightly disapproving characters as well as warmly maternal women. Sternhagen's credits include the classic "The Hospital" (1971), "Two People" (1973) and Billy Wilder's "Fedora" (1978). She won attention for her portrayal as Burt Reynolds' relative under whose auspices he meets his new love in Alan J. Pakula's "Starting Over" (1979) and nearly stole the sci-fi thriller "Outland" (1981),