Emmy Award-nominated stage, film and television actress Jill Larson grew up in Minnesota, with her three sisters, their aerospace engineer father and interior decorator mother; along with the ever-colorful and entertaining anecdotes of their grandfather who, among his many professions, was a carnival barker, volunteer fireman and horse wrangler.

Ms. Larson's passion for acting became apparent quite early in life. As a child, she performed in the living rooms and basements of friends, family and neighbors and was soon landing roles in summer stock theater productions. She then started to produce her own plays and began working professionally at the world-renowned Children's Theater Company, where she was one of only two children among its founding members. During her five years with the company, she recalls one of her fondest memories as being at an appearance on a talk show (promoting a play) where she met Tony Bennett and sat on his lap.

She enrolled at the University of Minnesota, and began singing in nightclubs with a group called Just Us. It wasn't long before Just Us was discovered and headed to New York City, where they recorded several soundtracks, including the one for the film, Rachel, Rachel, starring Joanne Woodward.

Ms. Larson, however, decided it was time to see the world. She and her sister traveled throughout Europe in a VW bus, before she settled in Paris as an au pair. She became a model, and was soon appearing in major fashion spreads in America's and Europe's top magazines, including Mademoiselle, Marie Claire, and Vingt Ans. While in Paris, she also landed her first film role (as a Swedish au pair) in Deadly Trap, starring Faye Dunaway and Frank Langella. Her next film role was as Jeanne Moreau's rival for her character's younger lover in the film, Chere Louise.