Joyce Van Patten, born on March 9, 1934, in New York City, is an American actress known for her prolific performances on stage, in movies, and on television.

She comes from a family with a strong entertainment background; her brother is the well-known actor Dick Van Patten, and her daughter, Talia Balsam, is also an actress.

Joyce Van Patten began her career at a very young age, appearing on Broadway in productions like "This Rock" and "The Perfect Marriage" before she was even ten years old. Her early exposure to the stage set the foundation for a long and successful career in the entertainment industry.

Her film career includes roles in movies such as "The Bad News Bears" (1976), "St. Elmo's Fire" (1985), and "Grown Ups" (2010). She has also made numerous guest appearances on popular television shows, including "The Danny Kaye Show," "The Mary Tyler Moore Hour," "Gunsmoke," "The Andy Griffith Show," and "Columbo."

Joyce Van Patten has also been involved in Off-Broadway productions, including critically acclaimed performances in "The Seagull" and "The Vagina Monologues."