Born Francine Lassman in 1931 (not 1932, as has been misreported) to Jewish parents, Abbey and Grace Lassman, in Brooklyn, New York, Lane had a brother, Leonard. She began her career at the age of four as a child actress on Vitaphone and radio. She began dancing on Broadway in 1947 as a teenager.[unreliable source?] On Broadway, she portrayed "Bobo" in Oh Captain! (1958), starring Tony Randall.
Early in her career, Lane was billed as "Abbe Marshall", her adopted forename possibly in tribute to her father, who was known as "Abbey". Using that name, she appeared in the Broadway shows Barefoot Boy with Cheek (1947) and As the Girls Go (1948).
Because of her work in Europe, Lane was known as an actress before she became recognized for her singing and dancing. She had a television program in Europe and made 21 films there early in her career.

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