Kristine Sutherland
Kristine Sutherland (born Kristine Young on April 17, 1955, in Boise, Idaho) is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Buffy Summers' mother Joyce Summers on the television series Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
Kristine Sutherland | |
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| Born | Kristine Young April 17, 1955 (aged 71) |
| Spouse(s) | John Pankow (1986-present) |
Early life
Sutherland was born Kristine Young. She changed her name because she was often confused with another actress with a similar name. The last name "Sutherland" was after her cat, whom she named "Donald" after Donald Sutherland[1] She attended high school in Lexington, Kentucky. After graduating, she studied at the University of Kentucky.
Kristine Sutherland is not related to Donald Sutherland or his son Kiefer Sutherland.[2]
Career
Sutherland's first movie role was as Mae Thompson in the 1989 movie Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.
In 1997, she auditioned for the role of Joyce Summers on The WB Television Network's television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Series creator Joss Whedon stated that he chose Sutherland for the role of Buffy’s mother was both because of her warm, motherly demeanor, and her physical similarity to Buffy’s actress, Sarah Michelle Gellar. She was a series regular for the first five seasons, returning for three guest appearances for the remaining three.
In April 2008, she had a guest starring role on New Amsterdam.
Personal life
Sutherland is married to actor John Pankow. He is best known as "Ira" on Mad About You. They have one daughter named Eleanore.
Filmography
- 1986 Legal Eagles
- 1989 Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
- 2002 The Cat Returns
- 2012 The Perfect Wedding