Constance McCashin

Constance McCashin is an American psychotherapist and former actress best known to millions of television viewers as Laura Avery Sumner on the iconic CBS primetime drama “Knots Landing”, where she starred from the series' premiere in 1979 until 1987. Her character's heartbreaking battle with a brain tumor culminated in one of the show's most unforgettable storylines and its landmark 200th episode.

Born in Chicago and raised in Connecticut, Constance's introduction to show business came at the age of five when she appeared alongside Clarabell the Clown on the legendary children's program "The Howdy Doody Show." Although her parents chose to give her a normal childhood instead of pursuing a career as a child actress, her love of performing never faded. After earning a degree in English, she moved to New York City just five days after graduating, supporting herself with jobs—including selling belts at Saks Fifth Avenue—while pursuing an acting career.

An acting teacher's suggestion that she begin psychotherapy not only transformed her craft but also changed her life. As she became more emotionally open through therapy, her acting career flourished, leading to a successful move to Hollywood where she appeared in numerous television series, movies, pilots, and commercials. Along the way, she starred opposite Lindsay Wagner in “The Two Worlds of Jennie Logan”, became a familiar face on television game shows including “The $25,000 Pyramid”, “Super Password”, and “Battle of the Network Stars”, and later co-starred in the Golden Globe-winning comedy “Brooklyn Bridge.”

Following her successful acting career, Constance embraced a remarkable second act. Inspired by the life-changing impact psychotherapy had on her own life, she earned a Master's degree in Social Work from Simmons College and became a licensed psychotherapist specializing in eating disorders and body image. She worked at the counseling center at Brandeis University while also teaching in its theater department, bringing together her passions for performance and healing.

Constance has been married for nearly five decades to producer and director Sam Weisman. Together they have two children and continue to reside in Massachusetts, where she remains dedicated to helping others discover the same emotional authenticity that transformed both her life and career.