Harrison was born in Northridge, California. She was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority(Epsilon Chapter) at the University of Southern California. Before breaking into show biz, Harrison was a cheerleader from 1978–1980 for the Los Angeles Rams. Harrison can be seen in the opening moments of the highlight film for Super Bowl XIV, which shows the Rams cheerleaders in their dressing room before the game. She can also be seen in a second season episode of CHiPs when Jon and Ponch pull over a van-load of Rams cheerleaders.