Trivia

Is an accomplished violinist.

Graduated with a degree in Latin and Theater from Brown University.

She's the daughter of two teachers.

She and producer-husband John Fiedler had three children: Lucy, Luke and Samuel. Daughter Lucy Chase Fiedler was born severely disabled on July 22, 1986. Lucy died six months later, on January 8, 1987. Son Luke Allen Fiedler was born on January 14, 1988, and son Samuel Chase Fiedler was born on June 16, 1991.

At Brown University, she majored in classics as well as theater arts. By the end of her four years she had acted in, directed or choreographed more than 50 plays, both at school and in various professional summer stock companies around New England.

Born and raised in Baltimore, she inherited a love of theater and music from her parents. Everyone in the family played instruments and acted in school and/or community theatre productions. Her parents were teachers in her schools and her father, an English teacher, also directed the school plays, where Bess got her start in acting.

Acted in over 100 plays at Brown University and the Bryn Mawr School for Girls.

Nicknamed "Precious Poodle" by Mary Kay Place during the filming of the TV series My So-Called Life (1994).