She became a foster mother in 1990's to eight children and eventually adopting three children in 1997 - two daughters, Tashia and Allison (b. 1991), and a son Thomas (b. 1993).
Was a foster child herself when younger.
Appearing as a regular panelist on National Public
Radio's "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!"
10 October 2001 - An LA judge sentenced her to 5 years probation and
180 days in rehab on felony child endangerment and misdemeanor child
injury.
Entered a rehab center for alcoholism, which she says
brought about the recent abuse charges involving her children.