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JoBeth Williams
JoBeth Williams
77 years (Dec 6, 1948)
Houston, Texas, USA
40 Movies
36 TV Shows

JoBeth Williams

Known for
Poltergeist
Diane Freeling
The Day After
Nurse Nancy Bauer
Dexter
Gail Brandon
Stir Crazy
Meredith
JoBeth Williams, born in Houston in 1948, is an American actress whose warmth grounded some of the defining Hollywood mainstream films of the eighties. After a memorable early scene as the young teacher who beds Dustin Hoffman in Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), she reached wide audiences as the terrified mother Diane Freeling in Poltergeist (1982) and its sequel. She followed with the ensemble hit The Big Chill (1983), the small-town drama Teachers (1984) and the acclaimed television movie Adam (1983). A veteran of stage and television as well as film, she later served as president of the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, championing the working actor's craft.
JoBeth Williams, born in Houston in 1948, is an American actress whose warmth grounded some of the defining Hollywood mainstream films of the eighties. After a memorable early scene as the young teacher who beds Dustin Hoffman in Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), she reached wide audiences as the terrified mother Diane Freeling in Poltergeist (1982) and its sequel. She followed with the ensemble hit The Big Chill (1983), the small-town drama Teachers (1984) and the acclaimed television movie Adam (1983). A veteran of stage and television as well as film, she later served as president of the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, championing the working actor's craft.
Known for
Poltergeist
Diane Freeling
The Day After
Nurse Nancy Bauer
Dexter
Gail Brandon
Stir Crazy
Meredith
Movies
TV Shows
Latest Trailers
Behemoth!
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Behemoth!
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Full Filmography
Not Without Hope
Marcia
★ 6.6
2025
Film
Cash for Gold
Boots
★ 8.6
2024
Film
Chantilly Bridge
Natalie
★ 5.1
2023
Film
What the Night Can Do
Bettye Sue Dryer
★ 4.5
2020
Film
SGT. Will Gardner
Sherry
★ 4.7
2019
Film
A Million Little Things
Lana Strobe · 2 episodes
★ 7.2
2018–
TV
Alex & the List
Mrs. Stern
★ 5.5
2018
Film
Station 19
Reggie · 2 episodes
★ 8.2
2018–
TV
The Good Doctor
Ruth · 1 episode
★ 8.5
2017–
TV
Photos
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Frequently Asked Questions
How old is JoBeth Williams and where are they from?
JoBeth Williams is 77 years old, born on December 6, 1948 in Houston, Texas, USA.
What are the most famous roles of JoBeth Williams?
JoBeth Williams is best known for roles in Poltergeist, Kramer vs. Kramer, Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot.
How many movies has JoBeth Williams been in?
Over a 52-year career (since 1974), JoBeth Williams has appeared in 40 movies and 36 TV shows.
What was JoBeth Williams's first movie?
The career of JoBeth Williams began with Feasting with Panthers (1974).
What is JoBeth Williams's most recent movie or series?
JoBeth Williams's most recent release is She Was Here, which premiered on February 24, 2026.
What TV shows has JoBeth Williams appeared in?
On television, JoBeth Williams has appeared in The Good Doctor, Dexter, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Criminal Minds.
Does JoBeth Williams have any upcoming projects?
Yes, JoBeth Williams's upcoming work includes: Behemoth! (2026).
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JoBeth Williams
JoBeth Williams
1948-12-06 · Houston, Texas, USA

Margaret JoBeth Williams (born December 6, 1948) is an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Emmy nominated American film and television actress and director, and current President of the Screen Actors Guild Foundation.

Williams rose to prominence appearing in such films as Stir Crazy (1980), Poltergeist (1982), The Big Chill (1983), The Day After (1983), Teachers (1984), and Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986).

A three-time Emmy Award nominee, she was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie for her work in the TV movie Adam (1983) and the TV miniseries Baby M (1988). Her third nomination was for her guest role in the sitcom Frasier (1994).

Her directorial debut with the 1994 short film On Hope earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film.

She also starred in the TV series The Client (1995–96), and had recurring roles in the TV series Dexter (2007) and Private Practice (2009–11).

In 2009 she began serving as president of the Screen Actors Guild Foundation; she is President Emeritus of the foundation.

She has also had numerous guest starring roles on TV and has starred in several TV movies.

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