Carol Ann Van Natten (neé Carol Ann Pillsbury) was born at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffolk County, Long Island, New York to Anna Marie Gardino, hairdresser and artist, and Bill Pillsbury (neé Frank), mechanic, contractor and artist. From an early age Carol Ann knew she wanted to join the military and someday be an actress. Of course, she also wanted to be a marine biologist, a teacher, an astronaut and a thoroughbred jockey. At nine, her mother remarried to Dean Van Natten, former Air Force service member. Along with her new family, Carol Ann moved, for the seventh time, to Saratoga Springs, NY, which she now considers her hometown. Home to fellow actors David Hyde Pierce and Scott Valentine.