• Joanna Kerns is an actress and director born on February 12, 1953 in San Francisco, California.
• She is best known for her role as Maggie Seaver in the TV show "Growing Pains" (1985-1992).
• She competed in the 1968 Olympic trials for gymnastics and is a graduate of UCLA.
• Joanna has directed for various TV series such as "The Goldbergs" and "This Is Us".
• She has been married twice and had a breast cancer diagnosis in 2016.



Known for movies

Short Info

Date Of BirthFebruary 12, 1953
SpouseMarc Appleton (m. 1994), Richard Kerns (m. 1976–1984)
FactGrew up in Lafayette, California. Tried out for the Olympics in 1968 as a gymnast.


Who is Joanna Kerns?

Born Joanna Crussie DeVarona on the 12th February 1953, in San Francisco, California USA, she is an actress and director as well, probably best known to the world as Maggie Seaver in the TV comedy series “Growing Pains” (1985-1992), and also as Cynthia Marten in the romantic drama film “Terror in the Family” from 1996, among many other differing accomplishments.

Where is Joanna Kerns Now?

Joanna is still focused on her career in the entertainment world, though instead of acting she is directing. In recent years, Joanna has directed several episodes of such TV series as “The Goldbergs” (2016-2018), “This Is Us” (2018), and “American Woman”, among other projects credited to her name.

https://twitter.com/joannakerns/status/722845745737392128

Joanna Kerns Bio: Early Life, Parents, Siblings, and Education

Joanna is the third of four children born to David Thomas DeVarona, an insurance agent, and his wife Martha Louise, who worked as a clothing store manager. Growing up, Joanna competed with her older sister, Donna, who went on to win gold medals in swimming competitions at the 1964 Olympics. However, realizing that swimming was not for her, Joanna changed her focus to gymnastics, and participated in the 1968 Olympic trials, but finishing 14th out of 28. As she got older she became interested in acting, and eventually graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles from which she majored in dance.

Career Beginnings

Before she became an actress, Joanna was a dancer, but it was during college that she made her acting debut in the Gene Kelly production “Clown Around”. For the role she had to move to New York and leave university. However, this turned out to be a smart move, as Joanna began getting new roles, including in “Two Gentlemen of Verona”, and “Ulysses in Nighttown”, the latter being directed by Burgess Meredith. Joanna then returned to California and became a backup dancer in Disneyland, while also attending auditions for commercials, until she finally broke into screen roles. She made her debut in 1976 in the film “Ape”, and to the end of the ‘70s, had a number of guest roles in such TV series as “Starsky and Hutch” (1976), “Emergency” (1977), “Charlie’s Angels” (1977), and “Switch” (1978), among others, while she also had a minor role in the horror mystery film “Coma” in 1978, starring Michael Douglas, Geneviève Bujold and Rip Torn. Nothing changed for Joanna in the upcoming years, as she continued to appear in minor roles in TV series, until 1984 when she was chosen for the part of Pat Devon in the TV drama series “The Four Seasons”. She featured in all 13 episodes of the highly-popular series, which was enough to push her forward for one of her most prominent roles, Maggie Seaver in the sitcom “Growing Pains”.

Rise to Prominence

As the show progressed, Joanna became more popular, and with her co-stars Alan Thicke and Kirk Cameron, became a star while the series aired for 165 episodes, with Joanna appearing in every one of them, and although an award for her efforts slipped through her hands, her work didn’t go without recognition. During her stint in the series, Joanna was focused on other projects too, including the action drama film “Street Justice” in 1987, then the comedy-drama film “An American Summer”, and the television thriller-drama film “The Nightman” (1992). After “Growing Pains” ended in 1992, Joanna continued her career with roles in television films, but none of those projects made as big an impact on her career. It was only in 1999 that she had a notable role in the drama film “Girl, Interrupted”, starring Wynonna Ryder and Angelina Jolie.
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Career Decline

Since the start of the new millennium her career has declined somewhat, and she has only secured a couple of roles worth mentioning, including as Lydia Vecchione in the romantic comedy film “All Over the Guy” (2001), and a minor role in the romantic comedy “Knocked Up” in 2007, in addition to the reprised role of Maggie Seaver in the television film “Growing Pains: Return to the Seavers” in 2004.

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Success as a Director

Inspired by the works of Burgess Meredith, with whom she worked in the earliest days of her career, Joanna wanted to try herself as a director at some point of her career. She got her chance in 1992, when she directed an episode of the TV series “Growing Pains”. Since then, Joanna has collected over 50 directing credits to her name, though she would only direct several episodes of several TV series, some of the most popular including “Ally McBeal” (1999-2001), “Any Day Now” (2000-2002), “Ghost Whisperer” (2005), “ER” (2006), “Men in Trees” (2006-2008), “Army Wives” (2007-2012), and “Jane the Virgin” (2015-2016), among many other differing TV series.

https://twitter.com/joannakerns/status/620991763071676416

Joanna Kerns Net Worth

Joanna has had a pretty successful career since the early ‘70s, so far appearing in over 70 films and TV titles, and directing a number of television episodes of 60 TV series. Some of the projects on which she worked increased her popularity and wealth, so have you ever wondered how rich Joanna Kerns is, as of mid- 2018? According to authoritative sources, it’s estimated that Kerns’ net worth is as high as $6 million. Pretty impressive don’t you think?

Do You Know About Joanna’s Personal Life, Marriage, Children, Divorce, Breast Cancer Diagnosis

When it comes to her personal life, Joanna has been quite open about the ups and downs that happen to her behind the camera; she has been married to architect Mark Appleton since 1994, although the couple doesn’t have any children. Previously she was married to commercial producer Richard Kerns from 1976 until 1985, with whom she has a daughter, Ashley Cooper.

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Back in November 2016, she had a breast cancer diagnosis following a routine check. She underwent a double mastectomy, and since then has been cancer-free.

General Info

Full NameJoanna Kerns
Date Of BirthFebruary 12, 1953
Height1.72 m
ProfessionFilm director, Actor, Television Director
EducationUniversity of California, Los Angeles
NationalityAmerican

Family

SpouseMarc Appleton (m. 1994), Richard Kerns (m. 1976–1984)
ChildrenAshley Cooper Kerns
ParentsDavid Thomas DeVarona, Martha Louise DeVarona
SiblingsDonna de Varona, David DeVarona, Kurt DeVarona

Accomplishments

MoviesKnocked Up, No One Could Protect Her, Growing Pains: Return of the Seavers, Mortal Fear, Girl, Interrupted, Mother Knows Best, The Great Los Angeles Earthquake, The Nightman, The Growing Pains Movie, All Over the Guy, Terror in the Family, Those She Left Behind, Emma's Wish, Desperate Choices: To Sa...
TV ShowsGrowing Pains, The Four Seasons

Social profile links

Facts

#Fact
1Tried out for the role that was eventually played by Cybill Shepherd in Taxi Driver (1976).
2Worked in a Produce store as a cashier (1968-1972).
3Grew up in Lafayette, California. Tried out for the Olympics in 1968 as a gymnast.
4Has two brothers named David and Kurt.
5Joanna is the daughter of Martha Louise (Smith) and David Thomas DeVarona. Her paternal grandfather, Joseph de la Cruz de Varona Betancourt, was Cuban. Joanna's other ancestry is mostly German, as well as Welsh, Irish, and English.
6She appeared in the music video and sang in the choir on the song "Voices That Care."
7Younger sister of Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Donna DeVarona.
8Daughter, Ashley Cooper Kerns, was born in 1978.

Pictures

Movies

Actress

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Love & Other Unstable States of Matter2010ShortJoan
Eastwick2009TV SeriesEdie
MaNiC2007ShortDoctor Kerns
Knocked Up2007Alison's Mom
Less Than Perfect2003-2004TV SeriesJudy, Owen's Other Mom
Growing Pains: Return of the Seavers2004TV MovieMaggie Seaver
The Education of Max Bickford2002TV SeriesKathryn Cahill
Someone to Love2001TV MovieMatt's Mother
All Over the Guy2001Lydia Vecchione
The Growing Pains Movie2000TV MovieMaggie Seaver
Girl, Interrupted1999Annette
At the Mercy of a Stranger1999TV MovieElizabeth Cooper
Beggars and Choosers1999TV Series
Emma's Wish1998TV MovieEmma
Chicago Hope1998TV SeriesStephanie Serone
The Closer1998TV SeriesClaire McLaren
Sisters and Other Strangers1997TV MovieGail Connelly Metzger
Mother Knows Best1997TV MovieCeleste Cooper
Terror in the Family1996TV MovieCynthia Marten
No One Could Protect Her1996Jessica Rayner
Whose Daughter Is She?1995TV MovieLaura Eagerton
The Mommies1995TV SeriesChristine
See Jane Run1995TV MovieJane Ravenson
Mortal Fear1994TV MovieDr. Jennifer Kessler
No Dessert, Dad, Till You Mow the Lawn1994Carol Cochran
Shameful Secrets1993TV MovieMaryanne Walker-Tate
The Man with Three Wives1993TV MovieKaty
Not in My Family1993TV MovieVeronica Ricci
Desperate Choices: To Save My Child1992TV MovieMel Robbins
Growing Pains1985-1992TV SeriesMaggie Malone Seaver
The Nightman1992TV MovieEve
Captive1991TV MovieKathy Plunk
Deadly Intentions... Again?1991TV MovieSally
The Big One: The Great Los Angeles Earthquake1990TV MovieDr. Clare Winslow
An American Summer1990Aunt Sunny
Blind Faith1990TV Mini-SeriesMaria Marshall
The Preppie Murder1989TV MovieLinda Fairstein
Those She Left Behind1989TV MovieDiane Pappas
Hooperman1988TV SeriesCheryl Blaste
She's Having a Baby1988Joanna Kerns (uncredited)
Cross My Heart1987Nancy
Mistress1987TV MovieStephanie
Street Justice1987Catherine Watson
The Rape of Richard Beck1985TV MovieAnita Parrish
Stormin' Home1985TV MovieLana Singer
Street Hawk1985TV SeriesMona Wiliams
A Bunny's Tale1985TV MovieAndrea
Hunter1984TV SeriesDr. Kettering
The Four Seasons1984TV SeriesPat Devon
The Return of Marcus Welby, M.D.1984TV MoviePamela Saletta
Hill Street Blues1984TV SeriesState Liquor Authority Agent
Whiz Kids1983TV Series
Three's Company1980-1983TV SeriesCheryl / Bobby Trilling
The A-Team1983TV SeriesTrish Brenner
V1983TV Mini-SeriesMarjorie Donovan
Magnum, P.I.1982-1983TV SeriesJenny 'Jen' Hunter / Mary Kanfer
Laverne & Shirley1983TV SeriesMonique
Star of the Family1982TV SeriesJoanne
Mother's Day on Waltons Mountain1982TV MovieDoris Marshall
A Wedding on Walton's Mountain1982TV MovieDoris Marshall
CHiPs1981TV SeriesColleen
I'm a Big Girl Now1980TV SeriesTracy
Marriage Is Alive and Well1980TV MovieMeg
Switch1978TV SeriesMae Brenner
Coma1978Diane
Quincy M.E.1977TV SeriesLily
The Love Boat1977TV SeriesBeth Luckner
Charlie's Angels1977TV SeriesNatalie Sands
Emergency!1977TV SeriesGymnast
Rhoda1977TV SeriesThe Customer
Starsky and Hutch1976TV SeriesJoy
The Million Dollar Rip-Off1976TV MovieJessie (as Joanna DeVarona)
Ape1976Marilyn Baker (as Joanna DeVarona)

Director

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Pitch2016TV Series 1 episode
The Goldbergs2016TV Series 1 episode
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend2015-2016TV Series 2 episodes
Recovery Road2016TV Series 1 episode
Jane the Virgin2015-2016TV Series 3 episodes
Pretty Little Liars2012-2016TV Series 4 episodes
Nashville2015TV Series 1 episode
Awkward.2015TV Series 1 episode
Chasing Life2014-2015TV Series 2 episodes
Switched at Birth2013-2014TV Series 3 episodes
The Fosters2013-2014TV Series 2 episodes
The Lying Game2012-2013TV Series 2 episodes
Army Wives2007-2012TV Series 8 episodes
Friends with Benefits2011TV Series 1 episode
Samantha Who?2009TV Series 1 episode
Private Practice2008TV Series 1 episode
Grey's Anatomy2008TV Series 1 episode
Privileged2008TV Series 1 episode
The Gold Lunch2008Short
Men in Trees2006-2008TV Series 4 episodes
Notes from the Underbelly2008TV Series 1 episode
Psych2007-2008TV Series 2 episodes
Medium2007TV Series 1 episode
ER2006TV Series 2 episodes
Scrubs2004-2006TV Series 2 episodes
Ghost Whisperer2005TV Series 2 episodes
Related2005TV Series episodes 1.03 and 1.07
Joan of Arcadia2005TV Series 1 episode
Dr. Vegas2005TV Series 1 episode
Phil of the Future2005TV Series 1 episode
Clubhouse2004TV Series 1 episode
Growing Pains: Return of the Seavers2004TV Movie
One Tree Hill2004TV Series 1 episode
The Division2004TV Series 1 episode
Strong Medicine2002-2003TV Series 3 episodes
Defending Our Kids: The Julie Posey Story2003TV Movie
The O'Keefes2003TV Series
Dawson's Creek2002TV Series 1 episode
For the People2002TV Series 1 episode
Felicity2001-2002TV Series 2 episodes
Leap of Faith2002TV Series
Any Day Now2000-2002TV Series 4 episodes
Judging Amy2001TV Series 1 episode
That's Life2001TV Series 1 episode
Ally McBeal1999-2001TV Series 2 episodes
Boston Public2001TV Series 1 episode
Titans2000TV Series 1 episode
Beggars and Choosers2000TV Series 2 episodes
Love Boat: The Next Wave1998-1999TV Series 2 episodes
Clueless1997-1999TV Series 3 episodes
Suddenly Susan1998TV Series 1 episode
Remember WENN1996TV Series
Hope & Gloria1995TV Series 1 episode
The Mommies1995TV Series 2 episodes
Growing Pains1992TV Series 1 episode

Soundtrack

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Growing PainsTV Series 2 episodes, 1986 - 1989 performer - 3 episodes, 1985 - 1989

Producer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Canary in a Coal Mine2017Documentary associate producer
The Gold Lunch2008Short producer
The Nightman1992TV Movie co-executive producer

Writer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
The Gold Lunch2008Short screenplay
Growing Pains1988TV Series written by - 1 episode

Self

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Seeing Is Believing: Women Direct2016Documentary filmingHerself
Unusually Thicke2014TV SeriesHerself
Canada's Walk of Fame: Celebrating 15 Years2013TV Movie documentaryHerself
Eagleheart2012TV SeriesHerself
Biography2008TV Series documentaryHerself - Co-Star, Growing Pains
Larry King Live2000-2006TV SeriesHerself
Seaver Family Reunion: S'mores and More2006Video shortHerself
The Tony Danza Show2004TV SeriesHerself
The Balancing Act2001-2004TV SeriesHerself - Host
Intimate Portrait1998-2003TV Series documentaryHerself
E! True Hollywood Story2001TV Series documentaryHerself
I Am My Mother's Daughter2001TV Movie documentaryHerself
Entertainment Tonight Presents: The Real 'Growing Pains'2000TV Movie documentaryHerself
AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Robert Wise1998TV Special documentaryHerself - Audience Member (uncredited)
The Daily Show1997TV SeriesHerself
Crook & Chase1997TV SeriesHerself
Aliens in the Family1996TV SeriesHerself
The 53rd Annual Golden Globe Awards1996TV SpecialHerself - Presenter: Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for TV
The 2th Annual Lucy Awards1995TV SpecialHerself
Hope & Gloria1995TV SeriesHerself
Late Night with Conan O'Brien1995TV SeriesHerself
Maury1993TV SeriesHerself
1993 Environmental Media Awards1993TV SpecialHerself
One on One with John Tesh1992TV SeriesHerself
Voices that Care1991TV Movie documentaryHerself - Choir Member
The 48th Annual Golden Globe Awards1991TV SpecialHerself - Presenter
The 16th Annual People's Choice Awards1990TV SpecialHerself - Presenter
The More You Know1989TV SeriesHerself
The 15th Annual People's Choice Awards1989TV SpecialHerself - Presenter
The Home Show1989TV SeriesHerself - Co-Host
Hour Magazine1987-1988TV SeriesHerself
The Wil Shriner Show1987TV SeriesHerself
Nightlife1987TV SeriesHerself
The New Hollywood Squares1986TV SeriesHerself

Archive Footage

TitleYearStatusCharacter
The O'Reilly Factor2008TV SeriesMaggie Malone Seaver

Source: IMDb, Wikipedia

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