Joanne's early life was marked by a unique blend of Manchester and South London influences, as her father, a sales representative for a Lancashire cotton mill, and her mother, a dedicated classroom assistant, provided a nurturing environment for her to grow and develop.
As a young individual, Joanne's passion for acting was sparked by her involvement in youth theatre, which ultimately led her to pursue a career in the performing arts. Following her training at Rose Bruford College, she joined the esteemed ranks of British theatre companies, collaborating with renowned actors and directors such as Sam Mendes, John Lithgow, Glenda Jackson, Patrick Stewart, David Bradley, Rik Mayall, and Hugh Bonneville.
Her journey took her across the Atlantic, as she returned to her Welsh roots in the USA, taking on the role of the matriarch in The Pull of Negative Gravity Off-Broadway. Meanwhile, her television career flourished, with notable appearances in Grange Hill and Eastenders, where she rose from Police Constable to Inspector.
Some of her most memorable on-screen performances include Kenneth Branagh's consoling of her character after the murder of her parents in Wallander and her lively portrayal of a party host in It's a Sin.
