Born in Winter Park, FL, Bearse came to acting through high school and community theater and later moved to New York, where she studied acting with Sanford Meisner. Her first major acting role was as Amanda Cousins on the daytime drama ALL MY CHILDREN from 1982 to 1984. Her early film appearances consisted of small roles in features such as FIRST AFFAIR (made for television) and FRIGHT NIGHT, before MARRIED...WITH CHILDREN came along in 1987. Originally, her portrayal and image were that of a perky supporting player but as the series evolved, the writing for her character did as well and her portrayal became harder, much funnier, and much edgier.
Bearse also studied directing at the American Film Institute and U.S.C., and most viewers were less aware of the fact that from the middle of the series' run, she became one of the program's regular directors. During this period she emerged as a spokesperson for gay and lesbian rights, declaring her sexuality openly in October 1993 as part of National Coming Out Day and thus becoming the Human Rights Campaign first 'poster child'. After the end of the series' run of ten seasons, Bearse concentrated largely on directing and has been behind the camera for over sixteen years, helming over 100 episodes of sitcoms. Before BIG GAY SKETCH SHOW, Bearse directed multiple episodes over several seasons of MADTV.
