Joanna Kerns (born February 12, 1953) is an American actress and director best known for her role as Maggie Seaver on the family sitcom Growing Pains from 1985-1992.
Kerns was born Joanne Crussie DeVarona in San Francisco, California. Her father, David Thomas DeVarona, an insurance agent, was of Mexican-American heritage. Her mother, Martha Louise Smith, a clothing store manager, was from an Irish-American background. Her older sister, Donna de Varona is a famed Olympic gold medal swimmer.
Kerns has appeared in numerous television movies. As a noted director, she's directed episodes of television shows such as Dawson's Creek, Titans, Scrubs, Private Practice and Psych
Kerns has also made notable appearances in feature films, including Girl, Interrupted and the 2007 comedy Knocked Up.
