Quick Facts
Born:
1948-12-06
Birthplace:
Houston, Texas, USA
Credits:
119 Total Roles
JoBeth Williams
Acting
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Biography
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 (1995â96), and had recurring roles in the TV series Dexter (2007) and Private Practice (2009â11).
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 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 (1995â96), and had recurring roles in the TV series Dexter (2007) and Private Practice (2009â11).
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.
Known For
The Good Doctor
Ruth
Dexter
Gail Brandon
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Mrs. Rawley
Criminal Minds
Professor Ursula Kent
Poltergeist
Diane Freeling
NCIS
Leona Phelps
Kramer vs. Kramer
Phyllis Bernard
Batman: The Animated Series
May and June (voice)
Full Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | She Was Here MOVIE | Self |
| 2025 | Not Without Hope MOVIE | Marcia |
| 2025 | SEGAL MOVIE | Self |
| 2024 | Cash for Gold MOVIE | Boots |
| 2023 | Chantilly Bridge MOVIE | Natalie |
| 2020 | What the Night Can Do MOVIE | Bettye Sue Dryer |
| 2020 | Josh Gates Tonight TV | Self |
| 2019 | SGT. Will Gardner MOVIE | Sherry |
| 2018 | A Million Little Things TV | Lana Strobe |
| 2018 | Alex & the List MOVIE | Mrs. Stern |