Highest rated as cast or director
Poltergeist
1982
The Day After
1983
Stir Crazy
1980
TiMER
2009
In My Dreams
2015
Not Without Hope
2025
JoBeth Williams's 5 titles from the 1980s have a median Balasaur Score of 65, led by Poltergeist (77) and The Day After (74), against 47 for those from the 1990s.
Biography
Margaret JoBeth Williams (born December 6, 1948) is an American 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, 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.
Acted in 111
2020s
- 2026
- 2025
- 2024
Cash for Gold
Boots
- 2023
- 2020
2010s
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
Barracuda
Patricia
- 2016
Heartbeat
Isobel Dixon · 1 episode
- 2015
Your Family or Mine
Ricky · 10 episodes
- 2014
- 2012
- 2011
Love's Christmas Journey
Beatrice
- 2010
2000s
- 2009
Uncorked
Sophia Browning
- 2008
- 2007
Sybil
Hattie Dorsett
- 2006
Twenty Good Years
Kate · 1 episode
- 2005
14 Hours
Jeanette Makins
Into the Fire
June Sickles
- 2003
- 2002
The Curse of Poltergeist
Movie
The Rose Technique
Dr. Lillian Rose
Repossessed
Movie
- 2001
The Ponder Heart
Edna Earle Ponder
- 2000
1990s
- 1999
Payne
Constance Payne · 9 episodes
- 1998
A Chance of Snow
Madeline 'Maddie' Parker
- 1997
When Danger Follows You Home
Anne Werden
Just Write
Sidney Stone
- 1996
E! True Hollywood Story
TV
Ruby Jean and Joe
Rose
- 1995
The Client
Reggie Love · 21 episodes
A Season of Hope
Elizabeth Hackett
- 1994
Voices from Within
Nancy Parkhurst
- 1993
Final Appeal
Christine Biondi
Chantilly Lace
Natalie
- 1992
Commercial Entertainment Product
Diane Freeling
Jonathan: The Boy Nobody Wanted
Ginny Moore
Me, Myself and I
Crazy / Sane Diane
Fish Police
Angel (voice) · 6 episodes
- 1991
Victim of Love
Tess Harper
- 1990
Timeless Tales: The Elves and the Shoemaker
Bettina (voice)
Child in the Night
Dr. Hollis
1980s
- 1989
Welcome Home
Sarah
My Name Is Bill W.
Lois Wilson
- 1988
Baby M
Marybeth Whitehead · 2 episodes
- 1987
Murder Ordained
Lorna Anderson · 2 episodes
- 1986
Desert Bloom
Lily Chismore
- 1985
Kids Don't Tell
Claudia Ryan
- 1984
American Dreamer
Cathy Palmer
- 1983
Adam
Reve Walsh
- 1982
Endangered Species
Harriet Purdue
- 1981
- 1980
1970s
- 1979
- 1978
The World Beyond
Marian Faber
- 1974
Feasting with Panthers
Constance Wilde
1950s
- 1951
Hallmark Hall of Fame
Lois Wilson · 1 episode
Directed 3
2000s
- 2001
- 2000
Frankie & Hazel
Director
1990s
- 1994
On Hope
Director
Produced 1
1990s
- 1991
Bump in the Night
Co-Executive Producer
Appearances7
2020s
- 2026
She Was Here
Self
- 2025
SEGAL
Self
- 2020
Josh Gates Tonight
Self · 1 episode
2000s
- 2002
Searching for Debra Winger
Self
1990s
- 1999
The Big Chill: A Reunion
Self
