Catherine was born on August 14, 1968, in London, England to British and Iranian natives. As a child, Catherine wanted to do masterpieces as an artist but eventually made a left turn to become a surgeon or a biochemical engineer. This made her study in UCLA to pursue medicine. But the change of mind did not end up there. She had a switch to modeling when she began modeling part-time while still in college. Soon after, she had to suspend her studies to give way of the bigger modeling opportunity happening in Japan.

There she hired an acting coach to help her overcome her shyness. More than over coming her shyness, she was hooked on acting and again, there was a change in mind. Her parents never counter-acted on her decision but instead encouraged and inspired her to her chosen field.

Catherine easily speaks Farsi but acting was not an easy catch for Catherine since it took years before having a good opportunity. She fervently raised her hopes and finally got guest appearances on TV shows like Dream on in 1994, Friends in 1995, Hotline in 1996, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys in 1997, and a recurring role in Sin City Spectacular in 1998.

It was her role as Lt. Dianne Schonke that helmed her lead role in 1997 as Lt. Col. Sarah "Mac" MacKenzie on JAG.

It was in the movie “Death Becomes Her” playing the role of Isabelli Rosselini's nude body double where she met her future husband, Adam Beason.