Joy hails from the picturesque rural town of Millwood in New York, where the air was sweet with the scent of freedom and the residents, including her family, lived with an open-door policy, free from the shackles of fear and uncertainty. Her childhood was a treasure trove of wonderful memories, shaped by the loving guidance of her parents. Her mother, a free-spirited dreamer, instilled in her a sense of imagination and creativity, while her father, a strict but fair attorney, taught her the importance of discipline and responsibility.
As she grew older, Joy discovered her passion for performing and began to conquer her shyness by taking the stage in high school productions at Pelham Memorial. Her talent and dedication earned her a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Stephens College, and she went on to make her Broadway debut in the original cast of "Grease". This was just the beginning of her illustrious career, which would also see her producing and performing in her own theatre company, McCadden Pl. Theatre, which she founded in 1979.
However, Joy's life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with cancer. But she refused to let the disease define her, and instead, she chose to fight back with courage and determination. Her journey through cancer treatment was a testament to her strength and resilience, and she emerged from it with a newfound appreciation for life.
Today, Joy has found a second passion in teaching film acting through her website, CloseUpActing.com. She has learned to appreciate the beauty in life's imperfections, including the occasional pothole, and has come to realize that life is good, despite its ups and downs. And so, she chooses to live in the present, embracing every moment with joy and gratitude.
