Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Bauer comes from a family of four children. She moved to Chicago and began modeling when she was in her late teens. She later moved to Los Angeles, where she landed many television roles. She made her network debut on "Bronk," opposite Tommy Lee Jones. Soon after, she made her daytime-drama debut as Lauralee Brooks on "The Young and the Restless."

Bauer has guest-starred on many prime-time programs, including "The Young Riders," "Knots Landing," "Fantasy Island," "Hotel," "Love Boat," "Mike Hammer," "Bare Essence" and Judith Krantz’s "Secrets." Her feature-film credits include "Young Doctors in Love," "K-God" and "Centerfold Girls." Her stage credits include "Plaza Suite" and "Extremities."

Bauer is married to songwriter and makeup artist Jeremy Swan. They have two sons and a daughter.

Bauer’s birthday is March 9.