Trivia

Frances Sternhagen, the daughter of John M. Sternhagen, a U.S. tax court judge (and his wife, Gertrude Hussey Sternhagen), graduated from Vassar College. She wed actor Thomas A. Carlin in 1956; he died in 1991. The couple had six children (several of whom are also professional actors and musicians) : Paul Carlin, Amanda Carlin, Tony Carlin, Sarah Carlin, Peter Carlin and John Carlin.

Awarded the The Helen Hayes Tribute by the Helen Hayes Award Organization on April 16, 2007.

She won two Tony Awards: in 1974 as Best Supporting or Featured Actress (Dramatic) for "The Good Doctor," and in 1995 as Best Actress (Featured Role - Play) for a revival of "The Heiress." She was nominated five other times: as Best Supporting or Featured Actress (Dramatic) in 1972 for a revival "The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window" and in 1975 for "Equus;" as Best Actress (Musical) in 1978 for "Angel;" as Best Actress (Play) in 1979 for "On Golden Pond;" and as Best Actress (Featured Role - Play) in 2002 for a revival of "Morning's at Seven.".

Nominated for Tony award, along with two other female cast members, as Best Featured Actress in a Play, for role in "Morning's At Seven", May 2002.

Starred in Steel Magnolias on Broadway as Clairee Belcher (the role played by Olympia Dukakis in the film version of the play). (March 2005)

Studied with Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse during the 1960s.

On Broadway in "Mornings at Seven" (2002)

She was a lifelong Democrat.

Has nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Retired from acting in 2014.