Joan was born in New Orleans, Lousiana in the 1960s. She was destined to become an actress ever since her first play, at the age of five, when she played a pair of roller skates. In later years, Joan did move on to more serious roles. She acted throughout school, and in several regional theatre groups. She studied at the Herbert-Berghof Acting Studio, in New York City, where she studied with Uta Hagen, Michael Beckett and several other gifted teachers. She also attended the University of Missouri at Columbia, Cal-State University-Northridge and completed her studies at the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg in 1996. She received a BFA in Theatre, with an emphasis in Acting and Directing.She then began pursuing her acting career in film and television. She has had Co-Starring roles on such TV shows as; "Tracey Takes On...," "Rude Awakening," "Malcolm In the Middle," "Judging Amy," "Monk," "ER's 200th Episode," "My Name Is Earl" and "Criminal Minds." She has had diverse roles in films including: "Mr. Chick Magnet," "Echos of Enlightenment," "Donnie Darko," "Daddy Daycare" and "Surviving Christmas." She can also be seen in "Baadasssss," Mario Van Peebles' film about his father Melvin's struggle, to make the first "black hero" film in 1970. "Baadasssss" was a part of the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, where it received standing ovations at every screening. It was released by Sony Pictures Classics and is now available on DVD. Joan is proud to be a part of this important piece of film history. "Baadasssss" also received a nomination for an Independent Spirit Award, as Best Picture of the Year.Joan also played a Supporting Lead Role in the Indie Feature Film, "Boppin' at the Glue Factory." She portrays Jady Hemmingway. The film was produced by Brooklyn Reptyle Productions. In 2007, Joan shot a Supporting role in the hit comedy film, "He's Just Not That Into You" starring Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Aniston. Joan plays the Emotionless Cashier. The film premiered in US theaters on February 6, 2009. It is now available on DVD. In 2010, Joan has completed guest roles on two new TV comedies. She appears on "Important Things With Demetri Martin" as a woman in a Near-Death Experience Support Group. Joan appears in the show's second season on Comedy Central. She also guests in "Warren the Ape" as a Soccer Mom. "Warren the Ape" will premiere in June, 2010 on MTV.Joan is also involved in several charities including the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica and the Screen Actors Guild's Bookpals, which reads books to school children. Joan also sponsors a child through Save the Children. Show less «