Full actor profile
JoBeth Williams
Acting
121 known credits
2.1 popularity score 77 years
Biography
About JoBeth Williams
Margaret JoBeth Williams (born December 6, 1948) is an American 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, 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.
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, 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.
Photos
Profile gallery



Career at a glance
JoBeth Williams across film and television
120credited titles
78movie credits
42TV credits
1974–2026screen career span
Upcoming projects
Notable work
Recent movies and TV shows
From FMM Reviews
Reviews and guides you may enjoy
TV guide
Lecture Room (2001): Series Review, Plot, Cast and Episodes
This Lecture Room (2001) review examines the talk and documentary series through its premise, storytelling, cast, performances, themes, production choices and audience response.
Read the full guide Movie guide
Taboo (2002): Cast, Story, Release Details
A complete guide to Taboo, including its story, cast, release details, ratings, and where to watch or download it.
Read the full guide TV guide
Umthetho (2026): Series Review, Plot, Cast and Episodes
This Umthetho (2026) review examines the crime and drama series through its premise, storytelling, cast, performances, themes, production choices and audience response.
Read the full guide


