Where is actress & director Joanna Kerns from “Growing Pains” now? Her Bio: Breast Cancer, Siblings, Net Worth Today, Husband, House
By David Mccullough•
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• 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
Growing Pains (1985-1992) as Maggie Malone Seaver
Knocked Up (2007) as Alison's Mom
Girl, Interrupted (1999) as Annette
The Big One: The Great Los Angeles Earthquake (1990) as Dr. Clare Winslow
Short Info
Date Of BirthFebruary 12, 1953SpouseMarc Appleton (m. 1994), Richard Kerns (m. 1976–1984)FactTried out for the role that was eventually played by in (1976).
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Contents
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 . 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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Back in November 2016, she had a breast cancer diagnosis following a routine check. She , and since then has been cancer-free.
General Info
Full NameJoanna KernsDate Of BirthFebruary 12, 1953Height1.72 mProfessionFilm director, Actor, Television DirectorEducationUniversity of California, Los AngelesNationalityAmerican
Family
SpouseMarc Appleton (m. 1994), Richard Kerns (m. 1976–1984)ChildrenAshley Cooper KernsParentsDavid Thomas DeVarona, Martha Louise DeVaronaSiblingsDonna 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
FacebookTwitterIMDB
Facts
#Fact1Tried out for the role that was eventually played by in (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 .8Daughter, , was born in 1978.
Pictures
Movies
Actress
TitleYearStatusCharacterLove & Other Unstable States of Matter2010ShortJoanEastwick2009TV SeriesEdieMaNiC2007ShortDoctor KernsKnocked Up2007Alison's MomLess Than Perfect2003-2004TV SeriesJudy, Owen's Other MomGrowing Pains: Return of the Seavers2004TV MovieMaggie SeaverThe Education of Max Bickford2002TV SeriesKathryn CahillSomeone to Love2001TV MovieMatt's MotherAll Over the Guy2001Lydia VecchioneThe Growing Pains Movie2000TV MovieMaggie SeaverGirl, Interrupted1999AnnetteAt the Mercy of a Stranger1999TV MovieElizabeth CooperBeggars and Choosers1999TV SeriesEmma's Wish1998TV MovieEmmaChicago Hope1998TV SeriesStephanie SeroneThe Closer1998TV SeriesClaire McLarenSisters and Other Strangers1997TV MovieGail Connelly MetzgerMother Knows Best1997TV MovieCeleste CooperTerror in the Family1996TV MovieCynthia MartenNo One Could Protect Her1996Jessica RaynerWhose Daughter Is She?1995TV MovieLaura EagertonThe Mommies1995TV SeriesChristineSee Jane Run1995TV MovieJane RavensonMortal Fear1994TV MovieDr. Jennifer KesslerNo Dessert, Dad, Till You Mow the Lawn1994Carol CochranShameful Secrets1993TV MovieMaryanne Walker-TateThe Man with Three Wives1993TV MovieKatyNot in My Family1993TV MovieVeronica RicciDesperate Choices: To Save My Child1992TV MovieMel RobbinsGrowing Pains1985-1992TV SeriesMaggie Malone SeaverThe Nightman1992TV MovieEveCaptive1991TV MovieKathy PlunkDeadly Intentions... Again?1991TV MovieSallyThe Big One: The Great Los Angeles Earthquake1990TV MovieDr. Clare WinslowAn American Summer1990Aunt SunnyBlind Faith1990TV Mini-SeriesMaria MarshallThe Preppie Murder1989TV MovieLinda FairsteinThose She Left Behind1989TV MovieDiane PappasHooperman1988TV SeriesCheryl BlasteShe's Having a Baby1988Joanna Kerns (uncredited)Cross My Heart1987NancyMistress1987TV MovieStephanieStreet Justice1987Catherine WatsonThe Rape of Richard Beck1985TV MovieAnita ParrishStormin' Home1985TV MovieLana SingerStreet Hawk1985TV SeriesMona WiliamsA Bunny's Tale1985TV MovieAndreaHunter1984TV SeriesDr. KetteringThe Four Seasons1984TV SeriesPat DevonThe Return of Marcus Welby, M.D.1984TV MoviePamela SalettaHill Street Blues1984TV SeriesState Liquor Authority AgentWhiz Kids1983TV SeriesThree's Company1980-1983TV SeriesCheryl / Bobby TrillingThe A-Team1983TV SeriesTrish BrennerV1983TV Mini-SeriesMarjorie DonovanMagnum, P.I.1982-1983TV SeriesJenny 'Jen' Hunter / Mary KanferLaverne & Shirley1983TV SeriesMoniqueStar of the Family1982TV SeriesJoanneMother's Day on Waltons Mountain1982TV MovieDoris MarshallA Wedding on Walton's Mountain1982TV MovieDoris MarshallCHiPs1981TV SeriesColleenI'm a Big Girl Now1980TV SeriesTracyMarriage Is Alive and Well1980TV MovieMegSwitch1978TV SeriesMae BrennerComa1978DianeQuincy M.E.1977TV SeriesLilyThe Love Boat1977TV SeriesBeth LucknerCharlie's Angels1977TV SeriesNatalie SandsEmergency!1977TV SeriesGymnastRhoda1977TV SeriesThe CustomerStarsky and Hutch1976TV SeriesJoyThe Million Dollar Rip-Off1976TV MovieJessie (as Joanna DeVarona)Ape1976Marilyn Baker (as Joanna DeVarona)
Director
TitleYearStatusCharacterPitch2016TV Series 1 episodeThe Goldbergs2016TV Series 1 episodeCrazy Ex-Girlfriend2015-2016TV Series 2 episodesRecovery Road2016TV Series 1 episodeJane the Virgin2015-2016TV Series 3 episodesPretty Little Liars2012-2016TV Series 4 episodesNashville2015TV Series 1 episodeAwkward.2015TV Series 1 episodeChasing Life2014-2015TV Series 2 episodesSwitched at Birth2013-2014TV Series 3 episodesThe Fosters2013-2014TV Series 2 episodesThe Lying Game2012-2013TV Series 2 episodesArmy Wives2007-2012TV Series 8 episodesFriends with Benefits2011TV Series 1 episodeSamantha Who?2009TV Series 1 episodePrivate Practice2008TV Series 1 episodeGrey's Anatomy2008TV Series 1 episodePrivileged2008TV Series 1 episodeThe Gold Lunch2008ShortMen in Trees2006-2008TV Series 4 episodesNotes from the Underbelly2008TV Series 1 episodePsych2007-2008TV Series 2 episodesMedium2007TV Series 1 episodeER2006TV Series 2 episodesScrubs2004-2006TV Series 2 episodesGhost Whisperer2005TV Series 2 episodesRelated2005TV Series episodes 1.03 and 1.07Joan of Arcadia2005TV Series 1 episodeDr. Vegas2005TV Series 1 episodePhil of the Future2005TV Series 1 episodeClubhouse2004TV Series 1 episodeGrowing Pains: Return of the Seavers2004TV MovieOne Tree Hill2004TV Series 1 episodeThe Division2004TV Series 1 episodeStrong Medicine2002-2003TV Series 3 episodesDefending Our Kids: The Julie Posey Story2003TV MovieThe O'Keefes2003TV SeriesDawson's Creek2002TV Series 1 episodeFor the People2002TV Series 1 episodeFelicity2001-2002TV Series 2 episodesLeap of Faith2002TV SeriesAny Day Now2000-2002TV Series 4 episodesJudging Amy2001TV Series 1 episodeThat's Life2001TV Series 1 episodeAlly McBeal1999-2001TV Series 2 episodesBoston Public2001TV Series 1 episodeTitans2000TV Series 1 episodeBeggars and Choosers2000TV Series 2 episodesLove Boat: The Next Wave1998-1999TV Series 2 episodesClueless1997-1999TV Series 3 episodesSuddenly Susan1998TV Series 1 episodeRemember WENN1996TV SeriesHope & Gloria1995TV Series 1 episodeThe Mommies1995TV Series 2 episodesGrowing Pains1992TV Series 1 episode
TitleYearStatusCharacterCanary in a Coal Mine2017Documentary associate producerThe Gold Lunch2008Short producerThe Nightman1992TV Movie co-executive producer
Writer
TitleYearStatusCharacterThe Gold Lunch2008Short screenplayGrowing Pains1988TV Series written by - 1 episode
Self
TitleYearStatusCharacterSeeing Is Believing: Women Direct2016Documentary filmingHerselfUnusually Thicke2014TV SeriesHerselfCanada's Walk of Fame: Celebrating 15 Years2013TV Movie documentaryHerselfEagleheart2012TV SeriesHerselfBiography2008TV Series documentaryHerself - Co-Star, Growing PainsLarry King Live2000-2006TV SeriesHerselfSeaver Family Reunion: S'mores and More2006Video shortHerselfThe Tony Danza Show2004TV SeriesHerselfThe Balancing Act2001-2004TV SeriesHerself - HostIntimate Portrait1998-2003TV Series documentaryHerselfE! True Hollywood Story2001TV Series documentaryHerselfI Am My Mother's Daughter2001TV Movie documentaryHerselfEntertainment Tonight Presents: The Real 'Growing Pains'2000TV Movie documentaryHerselfAFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Robert Wise1998TV Special documentaryHerself - Audience Member (uncredited)The Daily Show1997TV SeriesHerselfCrook & Chase1997TV SeriesHerselfAliens in the Family1996TV SeriesHerselfThe 53rd Annual Golden Globe Awards1996TV SpecialHerself - Presenter: Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for TVThe 2th Annual Lucy Awards1995TV SpecialHerselfHope & Gloria1995TV SeriesHerselfLate Night with Conan O'Brien1995TV SeriesHerselfMaury1993TV SeriesHerself1993 Environmental Media Awards1993TV SpecialHerselfOne on One with John Tesh1992TV SeriesHerselfVoices that Care1991TV Movie documentaryHerself - Choir MemberThe 48th Annual Golden Globe Awards1991TV SpecialHerself - PresenterThe 16th Annual People's Choice Awards1990TV SpecialHerself - PresenterThe More You Know1989TV SeriesHerselfThe 15th Annual People's Choice Awards1989TV SpecialHerself - PresenterThe Home Show1989TV SeriesHerself - Co-HostHour Magazine1987-1988TV SeriesHerselfThe Wil Shriner Show1987TV SeriesHerselfNightlife1987TV SeriesHerselfThe New Hollywood Squares1986TV SeriesHerself
