An Italian-American, Ferlito was born in Brooklyn, New York. Her father died when she was three. Her mother and stepfather own a hair salon in Brooklyn. Her first child, a boy, was born, in September 2007.

She is known for her roles in Man of the House, Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof, for her role as Claudia Hernandez during 24's third season, but she is mostly known for her role as Detective Aiden Burn on CSI: New York. She chose to leave the show because she wanted to focus on movies and theatre.

Ferlito gave birth to her first child, a son, in September 2007. She was inspired by her vegan makeup artist Kara to become a vegetarian, and is a supporter of animal rights, and an active member of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Even though she is of Italian descent she often plays people from Hispanic descent on TV and film.