Annie Potts is a talented American actress who has made a significant impact in the film, television, and stage industries. Her illustrious career spans over four decades, with notable roles in iconic 1980s films such as Ghostbusters (1984) and Pretty in Pink (1986).
Potts' journey in the entertainment industry began in 1978, when she made her big-screen debut in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer comedy film Corvette Summer (1978),starring alongside Mark Hamill. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
In 2017, Potts was cast as Meemaw in the popular CBS sitcom Young Sheldon (2017),a spin-off of The Big Bang Theory (2007). She has also lent her voice to the beloved character Bo Peep in the animated Toy Story franchise, appearing in Toy Story (1995),Toy Story 2 (1999),and Toy Story 4 (2019).
Annie Potts' passion for stage and film was evident from an early age, and she pursued her dream by attending Stephens College in Missouri, where she enrolled in the theater studies course. She later continued her graduate work in California.
At the age of 20, Potts married her college sweetheart, Steven Hartley. However, their happiness was short-lived, as they were involved in a serious automobile accident in Sumner, Washington, in which their Volkswagen bus was demolished by two drivers who were drag racing. The accident resulted in Steven losing a leg, while Annie suffered multiple fractures, which led to the development of traumatic arthritis that still affects her to this day.
Early in her career, Potts appeared in several television shows, including Black Market Baby (1977). However, it was her appearance in Ghostbusters (1984) that catapulted her to fame. She went on to star in the popular television series Designing Women (1986) for seven years, solidifying her status as a leading lady.
Potts' subsequent role in Love & War (1992) was unfortunately cut short when the show was cancelled, an experience she still reflects on with resentment. Despite these setbacks, Annie Potts has continued to thrive in the entertainment industry, leaving an indelible mark on the world of film, television, and stage.
