JoBeth Williams

JoBeth Williams (born December 6, 1948, in Houston, Texas) is an American screen artist celebrated for her range as an actress and her work behind the camera. Over a career spanning film and television, she has earned major-industry recognition, including Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Emmy nominations, and remains a respected voice in the acting community.

Williams became widely known in the early 1980s through standout roles in popular and culturally resonant projects. She played Diane Freeling in Poltergeist and returned to the role in Poltergeist II: The Other Side, while also appearing in films such as Stir Crazy, The Day After, and Teachers. Her performances balanced warmth and realism, helping anchor stories that ranged from comedy to suspense and social drama.

On television, Williams has been a frequent presence in movies, miniseries, and guest roles, collecting multiple Emmy nominations for projects including Adam, Baby M, and a guest appearance on Frasier. She later took on longer-running parts in series like The Client, with notable recurring work on Dexter and Private Practice.

Williams also expanded into directing; her short film On Hope received an Academy Award nomination. Beyond the screen, she has served in leadership at the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, where she is recognized as President Emeritus.