Joely Fisher (/ˈdʒoʊli/JOH-lee;[1] born October 29, 1967[2]) is an American actress and singer, the daughter of singer Eddie Fisher and actress Connie Stevens, and half-sister of actress Carrie Fisher. Her breakthrough came in 1994, starring as Paige Clark in the ABC sitcom Ellen, for which she received a Golden Globe Award nomination. Fisher later starred in the 1999 comedy film Inspector Gadget and had leading roles in the Lifetime comedy-drama Wild Card (2003–2005), and Fox sitcom 'Til Death (2006–2010).
The national members of the trade union SAG-AFTRA elected Fisher as secretary-treasurer on September 2, 2021.[3][4]
Early life
Fisher was born on October 29, 1967, in Burbank, California, one of two children born to Edwin "Eddie" Fisher and Connie Stevens (née Concetta Ingolia), both entertainers.[2] Her father was Jewish, whose parents immigrated to the United States from the Russian Empire, whereas her mother was Catholic and of Ashkenazi Jewish, Irish, and Italian descent.[5][6][7] Fisher has a younger sister, Tricia Leigh Fisher. Her parents divorced in 1969, after which she and Tricia were raised by Stevens.[2] Her father married a total of five times, with Stevens as his third wife. Joely and Tricia Fisher had two older half-siblings, Carrie Fisher and Todd Fisher, from her father's first marriage, with Debbie Reynolds.
Joely Fisher and her sister toured the world with Stevens, attending different schools and learning from tutors. Fisher graduated from Beverly Hills High School, then attended Emerson College in Boston, as well as the University of Paris for one semester.[2] In the summer of 1987, Fisher attended an acting retreat conducted in Italy by coach Sandra Seacat.[8]
Fisher's Broadway debut was as a replacement in the revival of Grease (1994). She was also a replacement in the revival of Cabaret (1998). Her vocal range is alto.
Fisher's career in music not only landed her on Broadway but she was featured in albums. Her most noted album was Tradition: a Family at Christmas which she, her mother Connie Stevens all sang various Christmas carols. She sang her own solo "Grown Up Christmas List". Her vocals are also heard singing "One For My Baby" in Harold Arlen's album STAGE.
From 2003 until 2005, Fisher starred in the Lifetime network's drama series Wild Card as insurance investigator Zoe Busiek. After that, she had a recurring role as Lynette's boss Nina on Desperate Housewives. From 2006 until 2010, Fisher starred opposite actor Brad Garrett as Joy Stark in the Fox TV sitcom 'Til Death.
In 2021, Fisher starred as Irene Cody in the Lifetime film Girl in the Basement which was inspired by the Fritzl case.[11]
Fisher married cinematographer Christopher Duddy in 1996. They have three daughters, two who were born in 2001 and 2006,[13] and a third who was adopted in September 2008.[14] She is also stepmother to Duddy's two sons, Cameron, who is the bass guitarist for the country music band Midland, (b. 1986) and Collin (b. 1988).[14] As of at least 2004, the family lives in Los Angeles next to Fisher's sister Tricia, with whom she is close.[15]
In late 2008, she became an artist ambassador for Save the Children. She traveled to Xai-Xai, Mozambique, to visit with children that are part of the child sponsorship programs.[16]
1993: Tradition: A Family at Christmas; she sang 3 songs with her mother Connie Stevens and sister Tricia Leigh Fisher. She has 1 solo: "Grown Up Christmas List"
1995: S.T.A.G.E. Music of Harold Arlen, "One for my Baby"
1998: Lerner, Lowe, Lane and Friends, "Come Back to Me"
2000: Adler, Brock, and Coleman, "Welcome to Holiday Inn"
^ abJordan, Julia (September 29, 2008). "'Til Death's Joely Fisher Adopts a Baby Girl". People. Retrieved September 30, 2008. ...the recent adoption of a newborn baby girl, Fisher's rep, Brit Reece, tells People exclusively. New daughter Olivia Luna Fisher-Duddy joins older brothers, Cameron, 22, Collin, 20, and sisters, Skylar, 7, and True, 2.
.jpg)
