Catherine Burns was an American actress of stage, film, radio and television. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Last Summer (1969). Born in New York City of Irish and Polish heritage, Burns was raised in Manhattan, and attended Hunter College High School, Hunter College and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Burns's professional acting debut occurred in David Susskind's TV production of The Crucible. She made her Broadway debut in 1968 in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, for which she received the Clarence Derwent Award. She also appeared in Operation Sidewinder (1970) on Broadway. In 1970 she won the Theatre World Award for her performance in the off-Broadway play Dear Janet Rosenberg, Dear Mr. Kooning. Burns made her screen debut in 1969 in Last Summer as sensitive, conservative Rhoda, receiving critical acclaim and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The role also brought her the 1970 Kansas City Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actress.