JoBeth Williams

JoBeth Williams

1948-12-06 Houston, Texas, USA 78 Credits

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 ...

Known For

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Complete Filmography

Not Without Hope

Not Without Hope

2025

Acting

A group of friends' fishing boat capsizes off the coast of Mexico and they're left alone stranded at sea and struggling for survival.

Cash for Gold

Cash for Gold

2024

as Boots

5.0
Acting

Struggling to save her home from foreclosure and stay sober after her military husband's death, Grace goes to work for her small town's only Muslim fa...

Chantilly Bridge

Chantilly Bridge

2023

as Natalie

5.3
Acting

Chantilly Bridge reunites a group of lifelong, steadfast friends who are still – in their later years -- chasing their dreams, fighting injustices, an...

1982: Greatest Geek Year Ever!

1982: Greatest Geek Year Ever!

2022

as Self

7.5
Acting

A remarkable new epic documentary spotlighting the pop culture milestones of 1982 including notable motion pictures, TV, music and video games of that...

What the Night Can Do

What the Night Can Do

2020

as Bettye Sue Dryer

4.5
Acting

Luana is a 12-year-old girl struggling to grasp the world collapsing around her, as her parents separate and her estranged Grandfather falls ill. It t...

SGT. Will Gardner

SGT. Will Gardner

2019

as Sherry

4.8
Acting

A troubled Iraq War veteran struggling to reintegrate into society sets out on a cross-country journey with the hope of reuniting with his young son.

Alex & the List

Alex & the List

2018

as Mrs. Stern

5.6
Acting

Alex, a lovable, unassuming dog trainer is in love with a great woman - Katherine - smart, talented, from a good family. Katherine adores Alex's quirk...

Barracuda

Barracuda

2017

as Patricia

6.2
Acting

Sinaloa hitchhikes into Texas to meet Merle, her half-sister by way of their dead country musician father. As the two get to know each other, Sinaloa'...

Within

Within

2016

as Rosemary Fletcher

5.4
Acting

A widower, his daughter, and his new wife move into a peaceful neighborhood. At first it appears to be a perfect neighborhood but the family quickly r...

The Last Film Festival

The Last Film Festival

2016

as Mayor

3.2
Acting

Dennis Hopper plays Nick Twain, a Hollywood Producer whose latest film is rejected by every film festival in the world except one- in Ohio. Nick will ...

In My Dreams

In My Dreams

2015

as Charlotte Smith

6.4
Acting

Natalie and Nick are frustrated with their luck in romance. After tossing coins into a fountain, the two then begin dreaming about each other. But, ac...

Love's Christmas Journey

Love's Christmas Journey

2011

as Beatrice

6.7
Acting

While still mourning the loss of her husband and daughter, recently widowed Ellie King visits her brother Aaron Davis and his children for Christmas. ...

The Big Year

The Big Year

2011

as Edith

6.0
Acting

Three fanatical bird-watchers spend an entire year competing to spot the highest number of species as El Nino sends an extraordinary variety of rare b...

Uncorked

Uncorked

2009

as Sophia Browning

5.7
Acting

Johnny is a high-powered executive who is definitely not looking to fall in love but a business conference takes her to wine country she meets a hands...

TiMER

TiMER

2009

as Marion

6.2
Acting

In this comedic fantasy, science has facilitated the search for a soul mate via biotechnological implants that count down to the moment one is suppose...

Sybil

Sybil

2007

as Hattie Dorsett

6.5
Acting

A true story of a young woman whose abusive childhood results in her developing a multiple personality disorder.

In the Land of Women

In the Land of Women

2007

as Agnes Webb

5.9
Acting

After a bad breakup with his girlfriend leaves him heartbroken, Carter Webb moves to Michigan to take care of his ailing grandmother. Once there, he g...

14 Hours

14 Hours

2005

as Jeanette Makins

4.3
Acting

While Tropical Storm Allison brings one of the worst floods to hit Houston rages outside, the staff of Hermann hospital races against time to ensure h...

Crazylove

Crazylove

2005

as Mrs. Mayer

5.3
Acting

Letty Mayer, young and beautiful, has a cherished job as a teacher, a successful attorney boyfriend, and a tight knit family that is excited about her...

Into the Fire

Into the Fire

2005

as June Sickles

5.2
Acting

Into the Fire follows the story of Walter Hartwig, a lieutenant in the New York City Harbor Unit, who finally comes to terms with grief and what is re...

Fever Pitch

Fever Pitch

2005

as Maureen Meeks

6.2
Acting

When Ben Wrightman, a young teacher, begins dating pretty businesswoman Lindsey Meeks, the two don't seem to have a lot of the same interests, but the...

The Curse of Poltergeist

The Curse of Poltergeist

2002

Acting

Exploring the popular film series and several tragedies amongst the cast members.

Searching for Debra Winger

Searching for Debra Winger

2002

as Self

6.3
Acting

Rosanna Arquette talks to various actresses about the pressures they face as women working in the entertainment industry.

The Rose Technique

The Rose Technique

2002

as Dr. Lillian Rose

2.8
Acting

The Rose Technique revolves around the life of an off-beat psychiatrist who wants to join the crazy world of daytime TV.

Repossessed

Repossessed

2002

8.0
Acting

A real estate agent shows a house to a woman who is more than she seems.

The Ponder Heart

The Ponder Heart

2001

as Edna Earle Ponder

4.0
Acting

Uncle Daniel Ponder moves to give away his fortune, while his niece, Edna Earle, tries to tighten the reins on Daniel's generosity. After Daniel marri...

Frankie & Hazel

2000

Director

5.3
Directing

Actress JoBeth Williams directed this Showtime family feature starring The Sixth Sense's Mischa Barton for Barbra Streisand's Barwood Films. Barton is...

Trapped in a Purple Haze

Trapped in a Purple Haze

2000

as Sophie Hanson

5.1
Acting

When a charismatic teenager falters under constant pressure from his parents and school, he makes a potentially deadly mistake.

Jackie's Back!

Jackie's Back!

1999

as Jo Face (Jackie's Vocal Coach)

6.5
Acting

A British documentarian profiles washed-up diva Jackie Washington as she prepares for her comeback concert.

It Came From the Sky

It Came From the Sky

1999

as Alice Bridges

4.8
Acting

Jarvis and Pepper crash land their small plane on the roof of the Bridges family. Pepper finds herself having a positive effect on the households' aut...

The Big Chill: A Reunion

The Big Chill: A Reunion

1999

as Self

4.5
Acting

A look back at the making of the film "The Big Chill" (1983) with cast and crew.

Justice

Justice

1999

as Jane Newhart

4.8
Acting

A lawyer and her partner run from the Colombian Mafia and the corrupt U.S. marshals and attorneys assigned to protect them.

A Chance of Snow

A Chance of Snow

1998

as Madeline 'Maddie Parker

5.6
Acting

After signing her divorce papers, a woman heads out to her Minnesota airport with her sister and daughters for a flight to her mother's home. At the a...

When Danger Follows You Home

When Danger Follows You Home

1997

as Anne Werden

1.0
Acting

A single mom and psychiatric intern encounters a troubled but brilliant young man who turns up dead in her house after she befriended him. When she fi...

Jungle 2 Jungle

Jungle 2 Jungle

1997

as Dr. Patricia Cromwell

5.3
Acting

Uptight New York City executive, Michael Cromwell, pursues his soon-to-be ex-wife to South America and returns home with the son he never knew he had—...

Just Write

Just Write

1997

as Sidney Stone

5.2
Acting

A Hollywood tour bus driver poses as a screenwriter to romance an up-and-coming young actress.

Breaking Through

Breaking Through

1996

as Pam Willis (as Jobeth Williams)

7.2
Acting

Laura is a 20 year old deaf girl who has never been taught sign language. She is rescued from neglect and physical abuse by Pam, a social worker. Pam ...

Ruby Jean and Joe

Ruby Jean and Joe

1996

as Rose

6.0
Acting

In a tale set in the rough and tumble world of professional rodeo, an over-the-hill former champion broncobuster and a young hitchhiker develop a spec...

A Season of Hope

A Season of Hope

1995

as Elizabeth Hackett

3.5
Acting

When trees in their only source of income, a lemon grove, start showing signs of disease, a burdened Californian family reaches their breaking point. ...

Voices from Within

Voices from Within

1994

as Nancy Parkhurst

Acting

When her sister, a prim-and-proper nurse, is found murdered in the parking lot of a wild nightclub, pianist Nancy Parkhurst learns the truth about her...

On Hope

On Hope

1994

Director

6.0
Directing

On Hope is a 1994 short film directed by JoBeth Williams, with Annette O'Toole, Mercedes Ruehl, Ray Baker, and Veronica Cartwright. The film was nomin...

Parallel Lives

Parallel Lives

1994

as Winnie Winslow

5.0
Acting

A college reunion turns into a tangled web of passion, romance and intrigue as old friends and enemies catch up with each other's lives. Includes a lo...

Wyatt Earp

Wyatt Earp

1994

as Bessie Earp

6.8
Acting

From Wichita to Dodge City, to the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Wyatt Earp is taught that nothing matters more than family and the law. Joined by his bro...

Final Appeal

Final Appeal

1993

as Christine Biondi

5.0
Acting

A lawyer must defend his sister in the court of law who's accused of murdering her seemingly perfect, but in fact very abusive husband.

Chantilly Lace

Chantilly Lace

1993

as Natalie

10.0
Acting

A group of middle-aged women get together at a secluded house to learn about themselves.

Sex, Love and Cold Hard Cash

1993

as Sarah Gallagher

5.0
Acting

An ex-con whose share of a robbery disappeared joins forces with deluxe edition call-girl in order to get back the money she gave her accountant for i...

Commercial Entertainment Product

Commercial Entertainment Product

1992

as Diane Freeling

8.5
Acting

The video debut of experimental musicians and culture jamming artists Emergency Broadcast Network.

Jonathan: The Boy Nobody Wanted

Jonathan: The Boy Nobody Wanted

1992

as Ginny Moore

Acting

A Down-syndrome boy left in an institute by his parents. Ginny works in the institute and wants to have Jonathan but has to fight the system and the p...

Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot

Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot

1992

as Lt. Gwen Harper

5.3
Acting

A tough police sergeant's mother comes to visit him, and promptly starts trying to fix up his life, much to his embarrassment. For his birthday she bu...

Me, Myself and I

Me, Myself and I

1992

as Crazy / Sane Diane

5.7
Acting

Diane is a growling, howling urban nightmare, suffering from paranoia, nymphomania, and a really bad hair day. Her neighbor, a TV writer, is subject t...

Dutch

Dutch

1991

as Natalie Standish

6.4
Acting

To get to know his girlfriend's son, a man volunteers to pick him up from a prep school... only to learn that her son's not the nicest kid.

Switch

Switch

1991

as Margo Brofman

5.9
Acting

Steve Brooks, a sexist womanizer, is killed by a group of his angry former lovers. In heaven, he makes a bargain with God for redemption and agrees to...

Victim of Love

Victim of Love

1991

as Tess Harper

4.0
Acting

Therapist Tess falls for widowed professor Paul, who's having an affair with Carla, one of her patients. Tess turns a dangerous page when she uncovers...

Bump in the Night

Bump in the Night

1991

Co-Executive Producer

5.8
Producing

Martha "Red" Tierney used to be a hot-shot reporter, but that was before alcohol took over her life. One morning Martha's son, Jonathan, leaves for sc...

Child in the Night

Child in the Night

1990

as Dr. Hollis

5.4
Acting

Traumatized after seeing his father brutally murdered by a hook wielding assailant, young Luke is tasked to help unmask the killer.

Welcome Home

Welcome Home

1989

as Sarah

5.6
Acting

Jake died in Vietnam; his family mourned him, then moved on. When he reappears, quite alive, the question is, what must he do and how will his family ...

My Name Is Bill W.

My Name Is Bill W.

1989

as Lois Wilson

6.5
Acting

Based on the true story of Bill W. (James Woods), a successful stock broker whose life falls apart after the stock crash of the 20's and how he comes ...

Memories of Me

Memories of Me

1988

as Lisa

5.2
Acting

After a heart attack, Abbie Polin (Crystal), a New York doctor, goes to Los Angeles to see his father, Abe (King), who works in Hollywood as the "king...

Murder Ordained

Murder Ordained

1987

as Lorna Anderson

5.0
Acting

This is the story of a minister who's feeling unhappy in his marriage who then has an affair with a church employee, who is also married, and who also...

Adam: His Song Continues

Adam: His Song Continues

1986

as Reve Walsh

7.3
Acting

Follows the true story of John and Reve Walsh who, after their child was murdered, fought to raise national awareness of the problem of missing childr...

Poltergeist II: The Other Side

Poltergeist II: The Other Side

1986

as Diane Freeling

6.0
Acting

The Freeling family move in with Diane's mother in an effort to escape the trauma and aftermath of Carol Anne's abduction by the Beast. But the Beast ...

Desert Bloom

Desert Bloom

1986

as Lily Chismore

5.5
Acting

The story involves Rose Chismore's youth. She flashes back and remembers her coming-of-age. Her recollections are sometimes less than sweet, particula...

Kids Don't Tell

Kids Don't Tell

1985

as Claudia Ryan

10.0
Acting

When a documentary-maker begins to make a film about child sexual abuse, the subject begins to eat into him and affect his relationship with those aro...

American Dreamer

American Dreamer

1984

as Cathy Palmer

6.2
Acting

American housewife Cathy Palmer loses her memory on a trip to Paris after being hit by a car. She wakes up in the hospital believing she's the fiction...

Teachers

Teachers

1984

as Lisa Hammond

5.6
Acting

A teacher reconnects with an old student who is now an attorney representing a family who is suing the school for graduating their son who still canno...

The Day After

The Day After

1983

as Nurse Nancy Bauer

6.7
Acting

In the mid-1980s, the U.S. is poised on the brink of nuclear war. This shadow looms over the residents of a small town in Kansas as they continue thei...

Adam

Adam

1983

as Reve Walsh

7.3
Acting

Based on the true story that shocked the nation and led to vast changes in how law enforcement handled missing children cases...John and Reve Walsh de...

The Big Chill

The Big Chill

1983

as Karen Bowens

6.9
Acting

Seven old college friends gather for a weekend reunion after the funeral of one of their own.

Endangered Species

Endangered Species

1982

as Harriet Purdue

4.9
Acting

A retired New York cop on vacation in America's West is drawn into a sheriff's investigation of a mysterious series of cattle killings.

Poltergeist

Poltergeist

1982

as Diane Freeling

7.2
Acting

Upon realizing that something truly evil haunts his home, Steve Freeling calls in a team of parapsychologists to help before it's too late.

Joe Dancer: The Big Black Pill

Joe Dancer: The Big Black Pill

1981

as Tiffany Farinpour

5.8
Acting

The first of three private-eye movies created by Robert Blake about rugged Joe Dancer as the forerunner to a prospective but unrealized series after t...

The Dogs of War

The Dogs of War

1980

as Jessie

5.8
Acting

Mercenary soldiers Jamie and Drew are hired by a large corporation to liberate Zangaro, a small African nation, from an despot. Havoc ensues.

Stir Crazy

Stir Crazy

1980

as Meredith

6.5
Acting

New Yorkers Skip Donahue and Harry Monroe have no jobs and no prospects, so they decide to flee the city and find work elsewhere, landing jobs wearing...

Fun and Games

Fun and Games

1980

as Laura Weston

5.0
Acting

A divorcee decides to fight back after her hopes of gaining a promotion are dashed by her rejection of the advances of her boss, and it is only after ...

Kramer vs. Kramer

Kramer vs. Kramer

1979

as Phyllis Bernard

7.6
Acting

Ted Kramer is a career man for whom his work comes before his family. His wife Joanna cannot take this anymore, so she decides to leave him. Ted is no...

The World Beyond

The World Beyond

1978

as Marian Faber

7.0
Acting

A golem made of mud terrorizes a couple on a remote Maine island.

Feasting with Panthers

Feasting with Panthers

1974

as Constance Wilde

Acting

Oscar Wilde's five years at hard labor in Reading Gaol where he was imprisoned for being a sodomite.

SEGAL

SEGAL

N/A

as Self

Acting

From a shy kid on Long Island to Hollywood Leading Man, during its most prolific decades, legendary entertainer George Segal shares his life story.