Background
Hyland was born Diana Gentner in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
Hyland was born Diana Gentner in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
Some sources indicate Diane Gentner). She made her acting debut at age 19 (in 1955) in an episode of Robert Montgomery Presents. Over the next decade she played numerous guest and supporting roles in various television series, including Naked City, The Eleventh Hour, The Fugitive and The Twilight Zone, before being cast in a featured role in The Chase (1966) with Marlon Brando, Jane Fonda and Robert Redford.
In 1959, she originated the role of Heavenly Finley in Tennessee Williams" Sweet Bird of Youth on Broadway with Geraldine Page and Paul Newman.
Hyland was a regular on the National Broadcasting Company soap opera Young Doctor Malone from 1958-1963, playing Gig Houseman, wife of the younger Doctor Malone. She played a continuing role in the prime-time soap opera Peyton Place from 1968-1969.
The following year, she signed on to play the wife of Dick Van Patten"s character in the series Eight is Enough. She appeared in only the first four episodes prior to her death.
Hyland was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1977, and underwent a mastectomy.
Despite the mastectomy, her cancer continued to spread and her health deteriorated. Hyland and Travolta remained together until her death on March 27, 1977, in Los Los Angeles She died in Travolta"s arms.