In 1943, her parents, Mr. C. N. Ford and Mrs. C. N. Ford, were managing the Tennessee Hotel in Clarksville, Tennessee. Around this time, she shared with the local newspaper in Clarksville that she was a mother to a two-year-old daughter named Shelley.
Notably, Orson Welles served as her godfather. Before embarking on her Hollywood journey, she had the opportunity to work with Orson Welles' Mercury Theatre, performing in various plays prior to his departure for the coast. During her summer stock experience, she caught the attention of a Hollywood playwright, who subsequently set Columbia Pictures on her trail, leading to her signing with the studio. She has since been associated with both Columbia Pictures and Warner Brothers.
Throughout her career, she has modeled for several prestigious publications, including Harpers' Magazine and the Paris and London issues of "Vogue" and "Harpers". Additionally, she has appeared in "Town and Country" and "Mademoiselle". Interestingly, she was even featured in her local newspaper, "The Leaf-Chronicle", showcasing her modeling a pair of black stockings. She recalled that her mother and father stumbled upon her modeling by chance, and the next day, it was prominently displayed on the front page.
