On stage, she has performed in off-Broadway productions of "St. Joan," "Wilderness" and "This Property Is Condemned." Ms. Bearse studied acting with Sanford Meisner in New York and directing at the American Film Institute and the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

Ms. Bearse is the first member of the cast to direct episodes of "Married With Children." She has also directed other television shows including "The Crew" and "Simon."

Ms. Bearse and her daughter, Zoe, reside in Los Angeles and spend their time together swimming and playing with a menagerie of pets.