Jeannetta Arnette
Acting
Jeannetta Arnette, born July 29, 1954, in Washington, D.C., is a prolific American actress with a career spanning television, film, and theater. Raised partly in North Carolina, she trained at the North Carolina School of the Arts, studied acting in England, and moved to Los Angeles after briefly attending George Washington University to pursue her craft professionally. She rose to prominence as the eccentric teacher Miss Meara on Head of the Class (1986-1991), with notable film roles including Lana's mother in Boys Don't Cry (1999), a nurse in Pay It Forward (2000), and Sandra Danby in Pineapple Express (2008). Arnette has made extensive TV guest appearances on series like Criminal Minds, ER, The Mentalist, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (as Doctor Karen Loews), and recent projects such as Clipped (2024) and American Crime Story (2021).
TV Shows(34)
Homecoming
Woman with dogs
2018
Heathers
Mrs. Kelly
2018
American Crime Story
Delmer Lee Corbin
2016
Extant
Anya Sparks
2014
Perception
Stephanie Nordhoff
2012
Switched at Birth
Ms. Troyer
2011
Justified
Marsha Keyhoe
2010
The Mentalist
Sue Overton
2008
Fringe
Dr. West
2008
So NoTORIous
Ruthie Rose
2006
Criminal Minds
Sarah Jean Dawes
2005
Invasion
2005
Lost
Lizzy Calloway
2004
Cold Case
Chelsey Simpson (2009)
2003
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Mrs. Spencer
2000
Roswell
Dolores Browning
1999
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Sandra Knowles
1999
V.I.P.
Dr. Lonnie Hippelman
1998
Nash Bridges
Ginny Peacock
1996
The Drew Carey Show
Gloria
1995
Touched by an Angel
Dr. Gus Jacobs
1994
ER
Mrs. Hawkes
1994
Diagnosis: Murder
Lana
1993
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Doctor Loews
1993
The Jackie Thomas Show
Sophie Ford
1992
Roseanne
1988
Head of the Class
Bernadette Meara
1986
L.A. Law
Vicki Simonetti
1986
The Deliberate Stranger
Mrs. Richter
1986
The A-Team
Betty / Sarah
1983
St. Elsewhere
Louise Garrison
1982
Hill Street Blues
1981
Three's Company
1977
Laverne & Shirley
1976
Movies(36)
Waking Up Dead
2022
Hunter Gatherer
Dr. Merton
2016
Beautiful Girl
Mom
2014
Angels in Stardust
Jacqueline Windsor
2014
The Amateur
Joey's Mom
2014
Straight A's
(uncredited)
2013
Beneath the Dark
Shirley
2010
Middle of Nowhere
Mindy Green
2008
Pineapple Express
Sandra Danby
2008
Snow Angels
Louise Parkinson
2007
Sniper 3
Sydney
2005
Finding Home
Grace
2003
Dunsmore
Irma Pritcher
2003
Small Town Conspiracy
Donna Jo
2003
The Shipping News
Silver Melville
2001
The Prime Gig
Cheryl
2001
Pay It Forward
Nurse
2000
The '70s
Doris Shales
2000
Mystery Kids
Alice Johnson
2000
Boys Don't Cry
Lana's Mom
1999
Judas Kiss
Monica Grimes
1998
First Love, Last Rites
Sissel's Mom
1998
Ladybugs
Glynnis Mullen
1992
Single Women, Married Men
Maureen Harrison
1989
Sister Margaret and the Saturday Night Ladies
Helene
1987
The Deliberate Stranger
Mrs. Richter
1986
The History of White People in America: Volume II
Actress
1986
City Killer
Andrea's Neighbor
1984
Flight 90: Disaster on the Potomac
Nicki Felch
1984
Take Your Best Shot
Fran
1982
The Shadow Riders
Southern Belle
1982
Callie & Son
Receptionist
1981
Brave New World
Dwightina
1980
10
Party Guest
1979
The Redeemer: Son of Satan!
Cindy
1978
Teenage Graffiti
Annie
1977