Joanna Gleason Headshot

Joanna Gleason

Birth Place: Winnipeg, MB, CANADA

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Joanna Gleason BIO

Born Joanne Hall, daughter of Maurice and Marilyn (Plottel) Hall (Halprin) on June 2, 1950 in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. At the time her father worked at the Canadian Wheat Board. He later started his TV career and after becoming known as Monty Hall went on to fame as host of Let's Make a Deal. It is interesting to note that Monty's brother Robert also changed his name to Hall.
Joanna graduated from Beverly Hills High School in 1968. While there she had a cameo in the school's production of The Music Man.
She continued her education at UCLA, then Occidental College, from which she graduated. Joanna has been a teacher herself, holding classes and workshops all over the country. She has also begun crafting new theatrical works and in early 2002 she directed her first New York play.
Joanna was in the TV Show "Hello, Larry" which was used as the basic outline for the 90s TV smash hit "Fraiser." She was also a star on "Bette" with Bette Midler and Lindsay Lohan and had a good run on TV's "Love and War" where she got to direct a little as well. She is also known for her television roles in shows such as Friends, The West Wing, The Good Wife, Blue Bloods, The Affair, The Newsroom, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
She has also won numerous awards. In 1988 Joanna won the Tony as Best Actress for her role as the Baker's Wife in Sondheim's "Into the Woods." She also won a Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for the same performance. She received another Tony nomination and a Drama Desk nomination for her work in "Joe Egg." Joanna won a Theater World Award for "The Real Thing," and another Drama Desk award for "Social Security."
Since 1994 Joanna has been married to actor Chris Sarandon. These two appeared together in movies such as Road Ends, Edie and Pen, Let the Devil Wear Black, and American Perfekt. They met while doing Broadway?s 1991 adoption of the Thin Man: "Nick and Nora". Sadly, this was not a successful play. But the two returned to the stage in 1998's "Thorn and Bloom."
Previously she was married to Michael Bennahum and Paul Gleason from whom she kept her surname for acting purposes. You may remember Paul Gleason as the principle from The Breakfast Club or as the police chief in Die Hard. Paul was also a minor league baseball player for the Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox organizations.
Her siblings are television writer/director Sharon Hall Kessler, and Emmy-award winning television writer/director Richard Hall.
Joanna and Chris have 4 children. Aaron David Gleason ("Gilly Leads" as he has chosen as his name since age 19), from Joanna's marriage to Paul Gleason, has his own band, All Hours (formerly known as The Midnight Radio), which has been signed by Hybrid Recordings. Stephanie, Alexis, and Michael are from Chris' second marriage to Lisa Ann Cooper.

Joanna Gleason Photos

Joanna Gleason STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Roundabout Production, 2011
Gloria

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2009
Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
2009
Arlene

[Off-Broadway]
2008
Alison

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2005
Muriel

[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2004
Muriel

[Off-Broadway]
2004
Dr. Emma Brookner

[New York]
Reading, 2004
Muriel

[Broadway]
Reunion Concert, 1997
Baker's Wife

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1991
Performer

Nora Charles

[Off-Broadway]
1989
Artie

[Off-Broadway]
1989
Melissa Gardner [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1987
Baker's Wife [Replacement]

Baker's Wife

[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
Old Globe Production (Pre-Broadway), 1986
Baker's Wife

[Broadway]
1986
Trudy Heyman

[Off-Broadway]
1986
Virginia Noyles

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1985
Pam

[Off-Broadway]
1985
Pam

[Off-Broadway]
1984
Performer

[Broadway]
1984
Performer [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1977
Monica

[New York]
Workshop, 1990
Performer

Joanna Gleason Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director

Joanna Gleason Movies

Heartburn
[ 1986 ] Diana
Hannah and Her Sisters
[ 1986 ] Carol
Crimes and Misdemeanors
[ 1989 ] Wendy Stern
F/X2
[ 1991 ] Liz Kennedy
Mr. Holland's Opus
[ 1995 ] Adult Gertrude
Edie & Pen
[ 1996 ] Maude
Boogie Nights
[ 1997 ] Dirk's Mother
American Perfekt
[ 1997 ] Shirley
Road Ends
[ 1997 ] Armacost
Let the Devil Wear Black
[ 1999 ] Dr. Rona Harvey
The Wedding Planner
[ 2001 ] Mrs. Donolly
Wedding Daze
[ 2006 ] Lois
The Girl in the Park
[ 2007 ] Sarah
The Women
[ 2008 ] Barbara
My Sassy Girl
[ 2008 ] Kitty, Aunt Sally
Sex and the City
[ 2008 ] Therapist
The Rebound
[ 2009 ] Roberta Finklestein
Last Vegas
[ 2013 ] Miriam
The Skeleton Twins
[ 2014 ] Judy

Joanna Gleason TV Shows

Bette
Connie Randolph
Hello, Larry
Morgan Winslow
King of the Hill
Maddy Platter, Marie's Mother, Operator
Love & War
Nadine Berkus
Oh Baby
Charlotte St. John
Sensitive Skin
Veronica
The Good Wife
Judge Carmella Romano
The West Wing
Atty. Jordon Kendall
Tracey Takes On...
Katherine Hawkins, LeAnne the Stewardess

Joanna Gleason Awards and Nominations

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Joanna Gleason, Sons of the Prophet

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Joanna Gleason, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Joanna Gleason, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1988 - Best Actress - Musical

Joanna Gleason, Into the Woods


winner
Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Joanna Gleason, Into the Woods


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1987 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Joanna Gleason, Into the Woods

Drama Desk Awards - 1985 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Joanna Gleason, Joe Egg

Tony Awards - 1985 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Joanna Gleason, Joe Egg


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1977 - Performance

Joanna Gleason, I Love My Wife

Joanna Gleason Videos

Joanna Gleason News


Photos: Chip Zien Honored With Caricature at Sardi's


The stars came out at the iconic Sardi’s restaurant in Times Square on Thursday night to honor the legendary Chip Zien, star of the Barry Manilow & Bruce Sussman musical, “Harmony.” Check out photos here!

Music News: Aaron David Gleason Debuts New Band PLEASANTVILLE With First Single And Music Video


Aaron David Gleason and Emma Freeman make up the new band PLEASANTVILLE and their first creation is now available to stream.

Photos: James Lapine, Joanna Gleason & More Visit HARMONY on Broadway


The stage door alley at the Barrymore Theatre was filled with Broadway’s best last night all to congratulate the cast of Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman’s Harmony and star Chip Zien. See photos!

Aspire Performing Arts Will Present INTO THE WOODS in Fair Lawn This Month


ASPIRE Performing Arts will present Into the Woods in Fair Lawn from January 19-21. Get all the production details here!

World Premiere of MARILYN, MOM & ME to Open International City Theatre 2024 Season


International City Theatre will open its 2024 season with the world premiere of Yankee’s deeply personal comic drama, Marilyn, Mom & Me.

Feature: 54 Below - The Basement Where You Want To Be


The Tony Award winning non-profit is here to grow, to achieve, and to change the face of cabaret and concert.

Photos: The Gasp Collection


After four years at Broadway World Cabaret, quite a collection of photos has been amassed. These are the gasp-worthy pics.

Photos: The Broadway World Cabaret Studio Portraits


These are the Broadway World Cabaret studio portraits that stood out the most.

Chris Sarandon Chats With Tony-Winner Kelli O'Hara On COOKING BY HEART Podcast


The spotlight on Broadway and the culinary world converges in a captivating new episode of 'Cooking By Heart,' hosted by Academy Award-nominee Chris Sarandon.

Jade Jones aka Litty Official to Present HI, WHEN I WROTE THIS at 54 Below


Be captivated by Jade Jones, also known as Litty Official, as they deliver a standout performance in 'Hi, When I Wrote This.' Discover when and where you can catch this incredible show before it comes to an end. Secure your seats now to avoid missing out.

Review: Pittsburgh CLO's INTO THE WOODS Restores the Weirdness at Benedum Center


Forty years of productions and a Disney movie have made the show cuddly, but this CLO production restores the weirdness and wackiness at the show's edges.

Review: Fairy Tales Go Out of the Frying Pan and INTO THE WOODS at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts


A record 16 of the 17 credited cast members are transplants from the Broadway run, including an astounding 97% of its behind-the-curtain crew. In essence, we are getting the bona fide Broadway show, from its stars to its set decorators, here in the heart of Florida. I cannot fathom a better way for local audiences to experience INTO THE WOODS.

Theater Resources Unlimited to Present Virtual Fundraiser TRUSPEAK... HEAR OUR VOICES!


Theater Resources Unlimited will present a virtual evening of awareness featuring five short new plays that speak to social issues that affect us all.

Chuck Cooper, Cady Huffman, and More to Appear at TRUSPEAK: HEAR OUR VOICES! Virtual Benefit Gala in June


Theatre Resources Unlimited (TRU) has announced the star-studded cast of  TRUSPEAK… HEAR OUR VOICES!, an evening to raise awareness of current social issues, as well as awareness of the work TRU has been doing for the theater community for over 30 years.

Max Chernin, Ashley Pérez Flanagan & More Join OUT OF MYSELF �" SONGS OF PETER FOLEY


Prospect Theater Company and the newly launched Peter Foley Music Project have announced final additional performers for Out of Myself—Songs of Peter Foley. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Joanna Gleason to Direct Phylicia Rashad in MASTER CLASS at Theatre Aspen


Theatre Aspen and the Aspen Music Festival and School announced the complete casting for the special presentation of Master Class. See who is starring, and learn how to purchase tickets!

Listen: James Lapine, Chip Zien and Danielle Ferland Kick Off GIANTS IN THE SKY Podcast


The Broadway Podcast Network is launching new podcast, “Giants in the Sky: How Sondheim and Lapine Went Into the Woods” hosted by Ben Rimalower, makes its series debut. Listen now!

Listen To Chris Sarandon Interview Mario Cantone For His COOKING BY HEART Podcast


Academy Award- nominee Chris Sarandon's latest episode of his popular 'Cooking By Heart' podcast featuring his interview with Tony-nominated actor and comedian Mario Cantone ('Sex and the City,' And Just Like That' and 'Better Things') is now available on all major podcast platforms and on YouTube.

Theater Resources Unlimited Presents TRUSPEAK ... HEAR OUR VOICES! Gala, June 4


Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) announces TRUSPEAK... HEAR OUR VOICES!, an evening to raise awareness of current social issues, as well as awareness of the work TRU has been doing for the theater community for 30 years.

Chris Sarandon to Present Live Podcast Taping of COOKING BY HEART With Mario Cantone


THE GREEN ROOM 42 will present Academy Award nominee Chris Sarandon and Tony-nominated actor and comedian Mario Cantone in a one-night-only live recording podcast episode of “Cooking By Heart” on Thursday, April 20 at 7:00 PM.

Joanna Gleason FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Joanna Gleason been in?

Joanna Gleason has appeared on Broadway in 8 shows.

How many West End shows has Joanna Gleason been in?

Joanna Gleason has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Joanna Gleason been nominated for?

Joanna Gleason has been nominated for several awards throughout her career, including Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Sons of the Prophet," Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," Best Actress - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Into the Woods," Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Into the Woods," Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Into the Woods," Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Joe Egg," Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "Joe Egg," and a Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for "I Love My Wife."

What awards has Joanna Gleason won?

Joanna Gleason has won several awards for her performances, including Best Actress in a Musical from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Into the Woods," Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Into the Woods," Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for "Into the Woods," and a Performance award from the Theatre World Awards for "I Love My Wife."

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