Trivia

Began her career as an artist's model. Not long after arriving in New York City she became a "Gibson Girl" for artist Charles Dana Gibson.

Her height (6 ft.) had an impact on her career. When she started out as a stage actress she was typically cast as mothers, even in her 20s. She appeared in several Shakespearean roles, such as Hamlet's mother Gertrude. Only once, according to theater critic Burns Mantle, did she play Juliet, and that occurred only when a very tall actor was found to play Romeo.

Sister of actor Olin Howland.

She was the longtime partner of playwright Zoe Akins. The two women lived together for many years.