Layng is best known for her role as Nurse Mary Margaret "Curly" Spaulding in the ABC comedy-drama series Doogie Howser, M.D. The series aired from 1989 to 1993 and was her first major screen role.
In 1991, Layng guest starred in the television series Pro and Cons and appeared in the feature film The Marrying Man. After Doogie Howser, M.D. ended in 1993, Layng would guest star in the television series Joe's Life and Diagnosis Murder. She also performed in the television short film Traveler's Rest in 1993. Her last television role was in the CBS series New York News in 1995.
In 1993, Layng married Playwright David Henry Hwang. They have two children, Noah David and Eva Veanne. They reside in New York City.
In 2012, Layng co-starred in the independent film White Frog, which was produced by her husband, David Henry Hwang.
