King was born Anastasia Lelia Catherine Murphy in Dublin on 5 July 1893, the daughter of Lawrence and Bridget Murphy (née Monaghan). Her father had a drapery Business in Lower Baggot Street, with the family living in Upper Merrion Street. King attended Loreto College, St Stephens Green where she had a particular interest in music and drama, playing the cello. She went on to a Berlin finishing school, where she learnt German. Upon returning to Dublin, she acted for a short period in the Abbey Theatre. In 1918 she married Edward Thomas King, a dispensary Doctor. Edward died in 1933, leaving Kathleen to raise four sons. King died on 28 March 1978, in her home in Mount Merrion, Co. Dublin.