 Ferrell was born in Houston, Texas.She moved from Houston to New York after high school and began her career on stage including roles on "" (1981) and "Ain't Misbehavin" on Broadway.She made her screen debut in a small role in the 1981 comedy film "So Fine", and later appeared in "Lady Beware", "School Daze", "The Mighty Quinn", and "The Exorcist III".