JoBeth Williams - Actor Profile

JoBeth Williams

Acting
Freshness: Jan 13, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Dec 6, 1948
Birth Place: Houston, Texas, USA

About JoBeth Williams

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.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of JoBeth Williams reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of JoBeth Williams's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 36% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), JoBeth Williams remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Chantilly Lace, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best JoBeth Williams Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from JoBeth Williams's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of JoBeth Williams.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2025 Not Without Hope Marcia Average Similar →
2024 Cash for Gold Boots Super Hit Similar →
2023 Chantilly Bridge Natalie Flop Similar →
2022 1982: Greatest Geek Year Ever! Self Super Hit Similar →
2018 Alex & the List Mrs. Stern Average Similar →
2017 Barracuda Patricia Average Similar →
2016 Within Rosemary Fletcher Average Similar →
2015 In My Dreams Charlotte Smith Average Similar →
2011 Love's Christmas Journey Beatrice Hit Similar →
2011 The Big Year Edith Average Similar →
2009 Uncorked Sophia Browning Average Similar →
2009 TiMER Marion Average Similar →
2007 Sybil Hattie Dorsett Hit Similar →
2007 In the Land of Women Agnes Webb Average Similar →
2005 Crazylove Mrs. Mayer Flop Similar →
2005 Into the Fire June Sickles Flop Similar →
2005 Fever Pitch Maureen Meeks Average Similar →
2002 Searching for Debra Winger Self Average Similar →
2002 Repossessed - Super Hit Similar →
1999 Jackie's Back! Jo Face (Jackie's Vocal Coach) Hit Similar →
1998 A Chance of Snow Madeline 'Maddie' Parker Average Similar →
1997 Jungle 2 Jungle Dr. Patricia Cromwell Flop Similar →
1997 Just Write Sidney Stone Flop Similar →
1996 After the SIlence Pam Willis (as Jobeth Williams) Hit Similar →
1996 Ruby Jean and Joe Rose Average Similar →
1994 Wyatt Earp Bessie Earp Hit Similar →
1993 Chantilly Lace Natalie Super Hit Similar →
1992 Commercial Entertainment Product Diane Freeling Super Hit Similar →
1992 Me, Myself and I Crazy / Sane Diane Average Similar →
1992 Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot Lt. Gwen Harper Flop Similar →
1991 Dutch Natalie Standish Average Similar →
1991 Switch Margo Brofman Average Similar →
1990 Child in the Night Dr. Hollis Flop Similar →
1989 Welcome Home Sarah Average Similar →
1989 My Name Is Bill W. Lois Wilson Average Similar →
1986 Adam: His Song Continues Reve Walsh Hit Similar →
1986 Poltergeist II: The Other Side Diane Freeling Average Similar →
1986 Desert Bloom Lily Chismore Average Similar →
1985 Kids Don't Tell Claudia Ryan Super Hit Similar →
1984 American Dreamer Cathy Palmer Average Similar →
1984 Teachers Lisa Hammond Average Similar →
1983 The Day After Nurse Nancy Bauer Hit Similar →
1983 Adam Reve Walsh Hit Similar →
1983 The Big Chill Karen Bowens Hit Similar →
1982 Poltergeist Diane Freeling Hit Similar →
1981 Joe Dancer: The Big Black Pill Tiffany Farinpour Average Similar →
1980 The Dogs of War Jessie Average Similar →
1980 Stir Crazy Meredith Hit Similar →
1979 Kramer vs. Kramer Phyllis Bernard Super Hit Similar →
1978 The World Beyond Marian Faber Average Similar →

JoBeth Williams - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of JoBeth Williams?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring JoBeth Williams is "Chantilly Lace" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has JoBeth Williams acted in?

JoBeth Williams has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by JoBeth Williams?

Other notable films include "Kids Don't Tell", "Cash for Gold", and "Commercial Entertainment Product".