Joanna Kerns, this tall, blonde actress, really made a name for herself over the years—starting from her early days as a dancer and gymnast to eventually becoming one of the most recognizable faces on television. At first, Joanna Kerns didn’t set out to be an actress; she actually began in performance through dance. But she quickly realized that a career as a chorine wouldn’t last long, so if she wanted to stay in show business, she’d need to expand her skills. That’s when Joanna Kerns made the smart move to focus on acting.
Early on, she performed under the name Joanna de Varona, dancing in a production called “Clown Around,” which unfortunately closed before it ever hit Broadway. She also danced at Disneyland—a fun little chapter in her journey. Then came a major break: she joined the touring company of John Guare’s musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Two Gentlemen of Verona.” That experience helped set the stage for what was to come.
After that, Joanna Kerns moved to New York City, where she studied acting with the legendary Lee Strasberg—an impressive step that showed just how serious she was about her craft. During that time, she landed small roles in the 1974 Broadway production of “Ulysses in Nighttown” and started gaining traction in TV commercials. In fact, at one point, Joanna Kerns had a staggering 18 national ad campaigns running all at once—pretty remarkable for someone still building her reputation.
Though she later directed a Los Angeles stage production of “What Every Woman Knows” in 1989, proving her range behind the camera too, her time in New York was really just the foundation. It paved the way for her breakout role as the journalist mom on the popular ABC sitcom “Growing Pains”—a role that would define a major part of her career. From there, Joanna Kerns transitioned smoothly into the world of TV movies, becoming one of the leading names in that space throughout the 1990s. And honestly, it’s clear that every step—from dance floors to Broadway to commercials—helped shape the enduring legacy of Joanna Kerns.
When it comes to Joanna Kerns’s filmography, one standout performance definitely comes to mind—her role in Knocked Up (2007), which turned out to be her highest rated movie by both critics and audiences alike. It’s clear that Joanna Kerns brought a lot of depth and charm to that film, contributing to its overall success. On the other hand, looking back at earlier in her career, Cross My Heart (1987) ended up being her lowest rated project. While it may not have resonated as strongly with viewers, it’s still part of Joanna Kerns’s diverse journey in the entertainment industry. Over the years, Joanna Kerns has shown range and dedication, making her a respected figure in film and television.