
JoBeth Williams
ActingAbout 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.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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".




