Ackerman was born in Cottageville, South Carolina, (Another source says she was born in Williston, South Carolina) the daughter of Clarence Kilgo Ackerman and Mary Baker Ackerman, and grew up in Williston, in Barnwell County in southwestern South Carolina, one of four children.
Student, Columbia College, 1945; Bachelor of Arts, Columbia University, 1946-1950; student, Otis The Art Institute of Chicago, 1964-1968; student, Theatre Wing, New York City, 1954-1956; student, Stella Adler School, 1956-1958; Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), Drew U., 1983; Doctor of Fine Arts (honorary), Columbia College, 1986.
Ackerman died November 1, 2006, after having suffered a stroke in Columbia, South Carolina. She was 82.
West Coast campaign chairman Muscular Dystrophy Association, 1963-1969. Secretary, board directors Hollywood Motion Picture and television Museum.
Married Sam Jaffe, June 7, 1956 (deceased).
