La Verne was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on November 7, 1872. She began her career as a child in local summer stock. As a teenager, she performed in small touring theater troupes. When she was fourteen she played both Juliet and Lady Macbeth back to back. Her ability to play almost any part quickly caught the attention of more prolific companies, and she made her Broadway debut in 1888. She then became a leading lady with some of the best stock companies in America, scoring triumphs in San Francisco and Boston among other cities. She eventually ran her own successful stock company.

She made her motion picture debut in 1915 in the movie Over Night directed by James Young. She also performed a small part in the movie Orphans of the Storm directed by D. W. Griffith Her most-known part is that of the voice of Queen Grimhilde, and her alter ego, the old hag, from Disney's 1937 animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

On the New York stage, she was known for her range and versatility. Among her hits on Broadway were principal roles in Uncle Tom's Cabin, Seven Days and Way Down East. She was also known for her blackface roles. Her biggest stage triumph came in 1923, when she created the role of Widow Caggle in the hit play Sun Up. Between the Broadway run, US tour, and European tour, La Verne would give over 3,000 performances. She also worked on Broadway as a Playwright and Director. In the late 1920s, a Broadway theater was named for her for a short period of time.

La Verne died at the age of 72 in Culver City, California on March 4, 1945, after suffering from cancer. She never married and was interred at Inglewood Park Cemetery.