Biography
Broadway World Winner, Joan Ryan, has performed on all the major stages around the country from Carnegie Hall to Lincoln Center to the Hollywood Bowl. Joan most recently originated the role of Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the world premiere of JUSTICE, written by Kerrigan and Lawdermilk with book by Lauren Gunderson. In addition, Joan originated the role of Judy Denmark/Ginger Del Marco in the Los Angeles production of RUTHLESS! and can be heard on the cast album.
Other leading roles include LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, SUDS, FOOTLOOSE, LES MISERABLES, NUNSENSE, TRIUMPH OF LOVE, ANGRY HOUSEWIVES, NITE CLUB CONFIDENTIAL the west coast premiere of Stephen Sondheim's ANYONE CAN WHISTLE and Stephen Schwartz/Leonard Bernstein's THE MASS at the Hollywood Bowl.
Joan cofounded the successful voice over company Sounds Great, and her voice can be heard on over 500 television shows and movies including Criminal Minds, Grace and Frankie, NCIS, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and many more.
Joan's self-titled debut solo recording, JOAN RYAN, remains a best-selling CD. Her other recordings include the cast albums of RUTHLESS!, SONDHEIM: A CELEBRATION, STROUSE, SCHWARTZ AND SCHWARTZ, LERNER-LOEWE AND LANE, EVERYONE HAS A DREAM, DREAM: THE MUSIC OF JOHNNY MERCER and JEROME KERN: LIFE UPON THE WICKED STAGE.
Television audiences know Joan from her long-running role as Tina Pallodrino, on SAVED BY THE BELL. She spent two years in the role of Kathleen Houghton, everyone's favorite psychiatrist, on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. Joan has also been featured on THE TODAY SHOW, THE TONIGHT SHOW and numerous guest starring TV roles. In addition, Joan sings the National Anthem for the Lakers and the Harlem Globetrotters at The Crypto. Com arena (formerly the Staples Center) and Madison Square Garden.
Joan's one woman show, Joan Ryan, Live! has been met with both critical and public acclaim and continues to sell out around the country and has earned her BROADWAY WORLD'S CABARET ARTIST OF THE YEAR.
Joan proudly donates her time and talent to numerous philanthropic causes. She was a featured performer in one of the longest running AIDS benefits, S.T.A.G.E. benefiting APLA and is a founding member and on the advisory board of the non profit organization, SHE ANGELS FOUNDATION.
She Angels Foundation provides grants to female founded non-profit organizations that provide mentorship, funding and resources to a diverse portfolio of women and girl's causes.
Joan and her husband, Howard Rootenberg, reside in both Los Angeles and New York and have three daughters.
