Biography
Joanna Crussie DeVarona Kerns is an American actress and director best known for her role as Maggie Seaver on the family situation comedy Growing Pains from 1985 to 1992. After Growing Pains ended, she turned to directing. She directed one episode of Growing Pains while starring on the show and got hooked. She has also directed episodes of television shows including Dawson's Creek, Titans, Scrubs, Private Practice, Psych, Felicity, Grey's Anatomy, Privileged, ER, Ghost Whisperer, Army Wives, Pretty Little Liars, Switched at Birth, The Goldbergs, This Is Us, and Fuller House. She has also made notable appearances in feature films, including APE, Girl, Interrupted, and the 2007 comedy Knocked Up. She has also starred in a number of TV movies. In 1974, Kerns met a commercial producer, Richard Kerns, on the set of a commercial, and they married two years later. Their marriage lasted nine years and the couple had a daughter, Ashley Cooper. In 1994, she married Marc Appleton, a prominent Los Angeles architect. In August 2019, she filed for divorce from Appleton. She previously dated comedian and actor Freddie Prinze a short time before he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The two had worked together on the 1976 TV movie, The Million Dollar Rip-Off.
Acted in 67
2010s
- 2017
Ain't It Funny
Mom
2000s
- 2009
- 2007
- 2004
Growing Pains: Return of the Seavers
Maggie Seaver
- 2002
- 2001
- 2000
The Growing Pains Movie
Maggie Seaver
1990s
- 1999
At the Mercy of a Stranger
Elizabeth Cooper
- 1998
Emma's Wish
Emma Bridges-Mame
- 1997
Sisters and Other Strangers
Gail Connelly Metzger
Mother Knows Best
Celeste Cooper
- 1996
E! True Hollywood Story
TV
Terror in the Family
Cynthia Marten
No One Could Protect Her
Jessica Rayner
- 1995
Whose Daughter is She?
Laura Eagerton
See Jane Run
Jane Ravenson
- 1994
Mortal Fear
Dr. Jennifer Kessler
No Dessert, Dad, 'Til You Mow the Lawn
Carol Cochran
- 1993
The Man with Three Wives
Katy
- 1992
Desperate Choices: To Save My Child
Mel Robbins
The Nightman
Eve
- 1991
Captive
Kathy Plunk
Deadly Intentions... Again?
Sally
- 1990
The Great Los Angeles Earthquake
Dr. Clare Winslow
Blind Faith
Maria Marshall · 2 episodes
1980s
- 1989
Those She Left Behind
Diane Pappas
- 1988
- 1987
Cross My Heart
Nancy
Mistress
Stephanie
Street Justice
Catherine Watson
- 1986
Love Struck
Movie
- 1985
The Rape of Richard Beck
Anita Parrish
Stormin' Home
Lana Singer
A Bunny's Tale
Andrea
- 1984
The Return of Marcus Welby, M.D.
Pamela Saletta
The Four Seasons
Pat Devon · 13 episodes
- 1983
- 1982
Mother's Day on Waltons Mountain
Doris Marshall
A Wedding on Waltons Mountain
Doris Marshall
- 1981
- 1980
Marriage Is Alive and Well
Meg
1970s
- 1978
- 1977
- 1976
The Million Dollar Rip-Off
Jessie
A*P*E
Marilyn Baker
- 1975
It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman!
Citizen (uncredited)
- 1974
- 1972
Directed 59
2020s
- 2024
- 2023
- 2020
The Baker and the Beauty
Director
2010s
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
- 2011
- 2010
2000s
- 2008
- 2007
- 2006
- 2005
- 2004
Growing Pains: Return of the Seavers
Director
Clubhouse
Director
- 2003
Defending Our Kids: The Julie Posey Story
Director
- 2002
Leap of Faith
Director
- 2001
- 2000
Titans
Director
1990s
- 1999
Beggars and Choosers
Director
- 1998
- 1997
- 1996
- 1995
- 1994
1980s
- 1985
Produced 3
2020s
- 2024
2010s
- 2017
Unrest
Associate Producer
1990s
- 1992
The Nightman
Co-Executive Producer
Appearances5
1990s
- 1996
Aliens in the Family
Self (voice) · 1 episode
- 1993
- 1991
Voices That Care
Self - Choir Member
1980s
- 1989
Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade
Self
