Bibi Besch was born Bibiana Maria Köchert on February 1, 1942, in Vienna, Austria. She was the daughter of Gusti Huber, a well-known Austrian actress, and Gotfrid Köchert, a racing driver.

     After World War II, her family immigrated to the United States, where she was raised in Chappaqua, New York. Her stepfather, Joseph Besch, was a U.S. Army captain and radio executive, and she later adopted his surname.

     Besch began her acting career in soap operas, appearing in The Secret Storm (1966), The Edge of Night (1969), Love Is a Many Splendored Thing (1973), and Somerset (1974). She transitioned to primetime television, guest-starring in Dallas, Dynasty, Falcon Crest, Knots Landing, Murder, She Wrote, and The Golden Girls. She also appeared in films, including Steel Magnolias (1989), Tremors (1990), and Who's That Girl (1987).

     Her most iconic role was Dr. Carol Marcus in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982). As a scientist who developed the Genesis Device, her character was revealed to be James T. Kirk’s former love interest and the mother of David Marcus. Her performance added emotional depth to the film, highlighting Kirk’s personal sacrifices and legacy.

     Besch was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards, first for Doing Time on Maple Drive (1992) and later for Northern Exposure (1993). She continued acting until her passing on September 7, 1996, due to breast cancer.