Janet's illustrious stage career kicked off shortly after completing her high school education at the prestigious Kansas City Starlight Theatre, where she had the opportunity to shine in a diverse range of musical productions, including the iconic "Hello Dolly", the classic "Guys and Dolls", the charming "Mame", the timeless "Gypsy", the enchanting "South Pacific", the energetic "Pajama Game", and the breathtaking "Carousel", among many others.
Following her successful stint at the Kansas City Starlight Theatre, Janet continued to hone her craft in California, where she shared the stage with a multitude of talented actors, including the esteemed Cloris Leachman in the comedy "A Couple of White Chicks", the accomplished Lynn Redgrave and the talented John Lithgow in the witty "Lady Windemere's Fan", and many other notable performers.
Janet's Broadway debut was a momentous occasion, as she took the stage alongside the talented Sutton Foster and the gifted Maureen McGovern in the heartwarming "Little Women".
Janet's film career took off when she was cast as Tom Cruise's mother in the 1983 movie "Risky Business". Following this breakthrough role, she went on to star in a wide range of films, working almost non-stop until recent times. Her impressive filmography includes a multitude of titles, such as "Family Business" in 1989, "Memories of Me" in 1988, "Forces of Nature" in 1999, "The Killing Time" in 1987, "Enough" in 2002, "Talent for the Game" in 1991, "My Guaranteed Student Loan", and many more.
In addition to her prolific film career, Janet also had a successful television career, with recurring and lead roles in various shows. Some of her notable television credits include "The Bronx Zoo" in 1987, "Murphy Brown" in 1988, "Melrose Place" in 1992, "Married... with Children" in 1987, "Bonnie" in 1995, and guest appearances on "Brothers & Sisters" in 2006, "Scrubs" in 2001, "Designing Women" in 1986, "3rd Rock from the Sun" in 1996, "Mary" in 1985, and many other shows.
Throughout her career, Janet had the opportunity to work alongside a diverse range of talented actors and actresses, including Sean Connery, Dustin Hoffman, Celeste Holm, Jennifer Lopez, Sandra Bullock, Billy Crystal, Alan King, Ben Affleck, Mary Tyler Moore, Edward Asner, Brad Pitt, Matthew Broderick, Billy Campbell, Lorraine Bracco, and Edward James Olmos, to name just a few.
Janet's impressive professional journey is marked by numerous accolades and esteemed roles. One of her most notable achievements was receiving the prestigious Los Angeles Drama Logue Critics Award for outstanding achievement in theatre, specifically for her exceptional work in Ezra Pound's "Electra".
In addition to her artistic accomplishments, Janet dedicated eight years of her career to serving as the Artistic Director of The Jazz Series at The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. This position not only showcased her artistic vision but also her leadership skills and dedication to promoting the arts.
Janet's philanthropic efforts are also noteworthy, as she co-founded "The Victory Ball" in Westport, CT, an annual event that benefits the ALS Foundation (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This charitable endeavor not only brought together like-minded individuals but also raised vital funds for a worthy cause.
Furthermore, Janet's commitment to the arts and music is evident in her role as Vice President of Development on the Executive Board of Directors of Ginny Mancini's "Society of Singers". This esteemed organization celebrates and supports the talents of singers, and Janet's involvement demonstrates her passion for nurturing artistic growth.
Throughout her career, Janet has consistently demonstrated her dedication to the arts, her leadership skills, and her commitment to giving back to her community. Her impressive list of achievements serves as a testament to her hard work, creativity, and generosity.
Janet's mortal remains, in the form of ashes, will be ceremoniously dispersed within the serene confines of the Edgebrook Lutheran Church Memorial Garden, a tranquil oasis nestled in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, with a specific date and time for the commemorative service yet to be definitively scheduled, pending further arrangements.
