Background
McLaughlin was born in White Plains, New York, where her father was mayor.
McLaughlin was born in White Plains, New York, where her father was mayor.
She was educated at Middlebury College and after studying drama began performing in Broadway and Office-Broadway productions.
McLaughlin made her television debut in 1959, with regular role of Eileen Seaton on the National Broadcasting Company daytime soap opera, Young Doctor Malone. In 1961, she moved to Hollywood and began appearing with guest starring roles on anthology dramas The Twilight Zone, Studio One and Kraft Television Theatre. General Hospital
From 1963-1991, McLaughlin starred in the soap opera General Hospital as Nurse Jessie Brewer.
She was cast as one of the original leading actresses on the series.
Registered nurse Jessie Brewer spoke the opening line of the premiere episode, "Seventh floor, nurses station", a phrase that became a staple in the show"s early years. The series" original premise centered around the drama of Brewer and Doctor Steve Hardy"s personal lives and experiences at General Hospital.