 Mary Candace Hilligoss was born August 14, 1935 in Huron, South Dakota, the daughter of L.F. Hilligoss.She was raised in Huron, where she was active in school plays.After studying at Huron College and the University of Iowa (where she acted in theatrical productions) for three years, she went to New York City to study acting with a scholarship to the American Theatre Wing, studying under Sanford Meisner and Lee Strasberg.