Actress. Born in New York City, daughter of screenwriter Stephen Morehouse Avery, she marked her professional acting debut at the age of twelve on the Broadway stage in the musical “Orchids Preferred” (1937), followed by “Three Waltzes” (1937 to 1938) and “Charley’s Aunt” (1940 to 1941). She broadened her skills at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and initiated her Hollywood career in the picture “Queen For a Day” (1951), and had roles in the films “Ruby Gentry” (1952) and “The Best Things in Life Are Free” (1956). It would be on TV where Avery found her niche, beginning with a featured role opposite Ray Milland in “Meet Mr McNulty” (1953 to 1955), followed with countless guest appearances on the programs “Perry Mason”, “Mr novak”, “All in the Family” and Maude”. She retired from acting during the 1970s and became a successful real estate agent. She was formerly married to actor and director Don Taylor.