Did secretarial work, while scouting for jobs in British films. Had her first success as the teacher of a deaf child in
Crash of Silence (1952), as a result winning the 1952 British Film Academy's Award for 'Most Promising Newcomer'. Later played sympathetic, motherly, or careworn roles. Appeared on stage, both in Britain and in Australia. Best known on screen for
Reach for the Sky (1956) and the miniseries
A Town Like Alice (1981).