Joey Heatherton’s acting career really began to take shape when she was just 11 years old. From the start, she found herself involved in a number of film projects, such as the Richard Chamberlain-led crime drama Twilight of Honor (1963), the dramatic film Where Love Has Gone (1964) starring Susan Hayward, and My Blood Runs Cold (1965). In addition to her work in film, Heatherton also appeared in the TV movie The Ballad of Andy Crocker, which aired on ABC between 1969 and 1970.
During the early stages of her career, Joey Heatherton was also quite active on television. She had appearances on popular shows like The Perry Como Show (NBC, 1955–59) and later took part in Mr. Novak (NBC, 1963–65). Her rising prominence in the entertainment world was acknowledged in 1963 when she was nominated for the New Star Of The Year - Actress Golden Globe Award. That same year, she continued to build her resume with strong performances that further established her presence in Hollywood.
Later on, Heatherton landed a notable role in the film Bluebeard (1972), starring opposite Richard Burton. Around this time, she also contributed to several television specials, including The Fifth Dimension Special: An Odyssey in the Cosmic Universe of Peter Max (1969–70), Alan King in Las Vegas, Part I (ABC, 1972–73), and Jack Benny’s First Farewell Show (NBC, 1972–73). She also made an appearance on The Bob Hope Show (NBC, 1972–73), which aired on April 19, 1973.
As her career progressed, Heatherton continued to act in both film and television. She appeared in movies like The Happy Hooker Goes to Washington (1977) and The Perils of P.K. (1986). Additionally, she could be seen in various television specials such as The Perry Como Winter Show (CBS, 1972–73) and Doug Henning’s World of Magic (NBC, 1976–77). More recently, Joey Heatherton was part of the cast of the musical comedy Cry Baby (1990), which also starred Johnny Depp.
Joey Heatherton has appeared in a variety of movies, films, and music projects throughout her career, showcasing her diverse talents. Among all her works, her most acclaimed and highest rated film is Bluebeard (1972), which stands out as a significant highlight in her filmography. Interestingly, despite its acclaim, Bluebeard (1972) also happens to be her lowest rated movie, reflecting the mixed reception it received from audiences and critics alike. While it may have polarized viewers, it remains one of the more memorable entries in Joey Heatherton’s body of work.