Background
Curtin was born in New York City, the daughter of radio actor Joseph Curtin.
Curtin was born in New York City, the daughter of radio actor Joseph Curtin.
Curtin began her writing career in the 1970s working on episodes of the popular television sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Curtin"s acting career has run concurrently with her writing career. During the 1970s, she made various guest appearances on television in shows such as Happy Days, Welcome Back, Kotter, Rhoda, The Rockford Files and Barney Miller.
In March 1976, American Broadcasting Company shot the pilot episode for Three"s Company, in which Curtin appeared alongside John Ritter and Susanne Zenor.
Curtin played a character named Jenny, who eventually became Janet Wood, played by Joyce DeWitt. In 1982, Curtin was given the role of Judy Bernly in the television sitcom 9 to 5 based on the 1980 movie of the same name.
Her television role was portrayed by Jane Fonda in the film version. Curtin was dropped from the show after two seasons, when James Komack came on as the new executive producer, replacing the team led by Jane Fonda.
However, Curtin would return for a syndicated version of 9 to 5 (1986–1988), reprising her earlier role.
The new version was successful. In the 1980s and 1990s, her writing credits included such mainstream films as Inside Moves (1980), the 1984 remake of Unfaithfully Yours, and Toys (1992). Curtin has continued to guest star in shows such as Frasier, Party of Five, Becker, The District, Just Shoot Maine and Emergency.