Joyce DeWitt education; American actress and comedian attended Speedway Senior High School and obtained her bachelor’s degree in theater from Ball State University.
Afterward, she relocated to California to pursue studies at the University of California, where she earned her master’s degree in 1974.
Joyce DeWitt Education
Joyce DeWitt, born on April 23, 1949, in Wheeling, West Virginia, grew up in Speedway, Indiana, and graduated from Speedway Senior High School.
She is of Italian descent and actively participated in speech and debate through the Indiana High School Forensic Association.
After completing her bachelor’s degree in theater at Ball State University, she relocated to California to pursue a master’s degree at UCLA, graduating in 1974.
Joyce DeWitt attended Ball State University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater in 1972.
She then pursued further education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), earning a Master of Fine Arts degree in Theater in 1974.
Starting her stage career at the age of 13, DeWitt embarked on a path that led her to Ball State University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree.
During her time in summer stock theater, a director encouraged her to enroll in UCLA’s Department of Theater MFA program.
There, she was honored with the Master of Fine Arts Fellowship and the Clifton Webb Scholarship.
While studying at UCLA, she worked as a secretary until her television debut on an episode of Baretta.
It’s worth noting that despite rumors suggesting a mentorship with actor Abe Vigoda, DeWitt clarified that they never crossed paths.
Early Life
Joyce DeWitt, raised in the Indianapolis suburb of Speedway, Indiana, grew up in a household with Italian and Dutch heritage.
While attending Speedway Senior High School, she took on a side job at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ticket office.
The acting bug bit DeWitt when she participated in speech and debate events organized by the Indiana High School Forensic Association.
At the young age of 13, she made her debut on stage and instantly fell in love with acting.
DeWitt pursued her passion further by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in theater from Ball State University.
Seeking opportunities in the acting industry, she relocated to California. In 1974, she completed her master’s degree from the University of California.
Throughout her college years, DeWitt supported herself financially by working as a secretary.
Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Real name | Joyce Anne DeWitt |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | April 23, 1949 |
| Age | 74 years |
| Zodiac sign | Taurus |
| Place of birth | Wheeling, West Virginia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (Dutch-Italian) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height (feet) | 5’3″ |
| Height (centimeters) | 161 |
| Weight (pounds) | 114 |
| Weight (kilograms) | 52 |
| Body measurements (inches) | 34-24-33 |
| Body measurements (centimeters) | 86-61-86 |
| Hair color | Black |
| Eye color | Brown |
| Mother | Norma DeWitt |
| Father | Paul DeWitt |
| Siblings | 7 |
| School | Speedway Senior High School |
| University | Ball State University and University of California |
| Profession | Actress and comedian |
Joyce DeWitt Education & Career
Joyce DeWitt’s love for the theatre blossomed during her early years. As a teenager, she actively engaged in school performances and cheerleading.
Her active participation in these activities fueled her passion.
Consequently, when she completed her schooling, Joyce DeWitt had already made up her mind about dedicating her life to the theatre.
Before embarking on an acting career, Joyce worked as a secretary. In 1975, she made her debut on the famous television series Baretta.
The following year, she portrayed Cindy in the TV series Most Wanted.
However, Joyce gained significant fame from 1976 to 1984 when she was cast as Janet Wood in the television series Three’s Company.
The show revolves around three unmarried housemates, Janet Wood, Chrissy Snow, and Jack Tripper, who reside in an apartment building in Santa Monica, California.
It portrays their comedic misadventures, financial struggles, and ongoing misunderstandings. Joyce appeared in 171 episodes of the show.
Throughout her career, the actress has also appeared in over 25 films and TV series.
Movies DeWitt Appeared In
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-production | 18 | Jay’s Mom |
| Post-production | Ask Me to Dance | Nana |
| Completed | Street Signs: Homeless But Not Hopeless | Narrator (Voice) |
| 2020 | Scattered, Smothered & Covered Christmas | Rita |
| 2019 | The Savant Detective | Randi Toney |
| 2015 | Rock Story | Judge Carol Ann Connelly |
| 2014 | My Boyfriends’ Dogs | Nikki |
| 2014 | Snapshot | First Lady |
| 2011 | The Great Fight | Randi Toney |
| 2010 | Failing Better Now | Irene |
| 2009 | Call of the Wild | Jolene |
| 2003 | The Nick at Nite Holiday Special | Miss DeWitt, The Housekeeper |
| 1995 | Spring Fling! | Linda Hayden |
| 1984 | Saturday’s the Place! | Reporter |
| 1978 | With This Ring | Jilly Weston |
Joyce DeWitt Education and Television Series
| Year | TV Series | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Hope Island | Laetitia Barton |
| 1998 | Twitch City | Joyce DeWitt |
| 1998 | Living Single | Joyce DeWitt |
| 1995 | Cybill | Psychic Pals Host |
| 1984 | Finder of Lost Loves | Lynn Powell |
| 1976-1984 | Three’s Company | Janet Wood |
| 1979 | The Love Boat | Jackie Landers |
| 1979 | The Ropers | Janet Wood |
| 1979 | Supertrain | Natalie |
| 1977 | The Tony Randall Show | Terri Blake |
| 1976 | Most Wanted | Cindy |
| 1975 | Baretta | Mother Earth / Waitress |
Personal Life
Joyce DeWitt, born on 23 April 1949 in Wheeling, West Virginia, was raised in Speedway, Indiana.
She grew up alongside her three siblings, including her brother Doug. Joyce attended Speedway Senior High School and obtained her bachelor’s degree in theater from Ball State University.
Afterward, she relocated to California to pursue studies at the University of California, where she earned her master’s degree in 1974.
In terms of her personal life, Joyce was married to actor Ray Buktenica from 1979 to 1986. She also had a previous romantic relationship with Henry I. Bushkin.
Joyce DeWitt Net Worth
The American actress possesses a net worth of $4 million.
She accumulated her wealth through her acting career in movies, television shows, and her notable portrayal of the lovable character Janet Wood in the ABC sitcom Three’s Company.
Joyce DeWitt, born as Joyce Anne DeWitt, gained immense popularity for her role in the aforementioned sitcom.