In TV, Curtin began by writing an episode of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" in which Mary became a Big Sister. She then wrote for "Phyllis" (CBS, 1975-77) and in 1982 co-created "Square Pegs", a critically well-received teen comedy, but was not involved in its weekly production. It was not until 1991 that Curtin again worked behind the scenes in series TV, this time as producer of "Good & Evil," a short-lived soap opera send-up created by Susan Harris.

The dark-haired, olive-complexioned Curtin has a pliable, lively and inviting face perfect for comedy and her acting work in Hollywood predates her writing. She broke into TV in 1975 as a sketch player on the short-lived "Jim Stafford Show" (ABC). In the 80s sitcom version of "9 to 5" (ABC, 1982-83), Curtin played Judy Bernly, the character Jane Fonda had essayed on the big screen. In features, Curtin sparkled Vera, the nervous, somewhat dim waitress alongside Ellen Burstyn and Diane Ladd in "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" (1975). (Although Beth Howland took the role when the movie became a TV series.) Curtin has also been seen as a political worker in "All the President's Men" (1976) and as Paul Mazursky's wife in "Down and Out in Beverly Hills" (1986).

Curtin is the cousin of actress Jane Curtin and the daughter of radio actor Joseph Curtin.