The very lovely, vivacious and smart-looking Joanna Cassidy was born in Camden, New Jersey, and raised in nearby Haddonfield, a borough located in Camden County. She grew up in a creative environment as the daughter and granddaughter of artists. At an early age she engaged in painting and sculpture and went on to major in art at Syracuse University in New York. During her time there she married Kennard C. Kobrin in 1964, a doctor in residency, and found work as a fashion model to help work his way to a degree. The couple eventually moved to San Francisco, where her husband set up a psychiatric practice; Joanna continued modeling and gave birth to a son and daughter. Following their divorce ten years later, she decided to move to Los Angeles in a bid for an acting career. In between modeling chores and occasional commercial gigs, the reddish-haired beauty found minor, decorative work as an actress in such action fare as 'Steve McQueen and is a dedicated animal activist as well as golfer and antique collector. She presently resides in the Los Angeles area with her dogs.
Has appeared in episodes of three different series with Robert Foxworth : "Falcon Crest" , "Six Feet Under" and "Enterprise" .
Was replaced by Paula Prentiss after two weeks of filming on The Stepford Wives .
She auditioned and won the title role for the television series "Wonder Woman" , but ended up losing it to Lynda Carter.
Joannas trademark infectious, roaring cackle is her natural laugh.
Studied art for one year at Syracuse University.
Elected to the 2007-2008 Screen Actors Guild National Board of Directors.
In the spring of 2007, she donned Zhoras costume once more, 25 years after the release of Blade Runner , in order to recreate a climactic scene from the film for the fall 2007 Final Cut release of the film. In the original release, a stunt performer played out Zhoras death scene, with the physical differences between the performer and Cassidy very evident (including the stunt person wearing a different wig). For the final cut, Cassidys head was digitally transposed onto footage of the stunt performer, making the death scene fit continuity. Cassidy herself suggested this be done; she is captured on video making the suggestion during filming of a retrospective interview.
She has two children by her now ex-husband Dr. Kennard Kobrin: A daughter Naomi Kobrin (B. December 18, 1964) and a son Daniel Kobrin (B. December 29, 1970).
Natchitoches, Louisiana
It used to be such a stigma, making that transition to various,entertainment medias. There are a couple of actresses who have cut it,quite well and I consider myself one. You have to work, you have to,have your craft. Every job you do, you gain more experience. You never,stop learning. .
