JoBeth Williams, born Margaret JoBeth Williams on December 6, 1948, in Houston, Texas, is an American actress known for her roles in films such as "Kramer vs. Kramer" (1979), "Stir Crazy" (1980), "Poltergeist" (1982), "The Big Chill" (1983), and "Teachers" (1984).

She is the daughter of Frances Faye (née Adams), a dietitian, and Fredric Roger Williams, an opera singer and manager of a wire and cable company. She grew up in the South Park neighborhood of Houston and attended Jones High School, from which she graduated in 1966.

Her career began with guest roles on television series such as "Jabberwocky" (1972-1978), "Somerset," and "Guiding Light." Her feature-film debut came in "Kramer vs. Kramer" (1979), where she played Dustin Hoffman's girlfriend.

She gained widespread recognition for her role as Diane Freeling in "Poltergeist" (1982) and reprised the role in the sequel "Poltergeist II: The Other Side" (1986). She was part of the ensemble cast in "The Big Chill" (1983) and starred in "Teachers" (1984) opposite Nick Nolte.

JoBeth Williams has also had a successful career on television, earning three Emmy Award nominations for her performances in the TV movies "Adam" (1983), "Baby M" (1988), and the sitcom "Frasier" (1994). She starred in the TV series "The Client" (1995-1996) and had recurring roles in "Dexter" (2007) and "Private Practice" (2009-2011).

Moreover, she directed the short film "On Hope" (1994), which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film.

JoBeth Williams is married to actor and director John Pasquin, and they have two children together.