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".
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 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.
Career.
Sutherland's first movie role was as Mae Thompson in the 1989 movie "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids". In 1997, she tried out for the role of Joyce Summers on The WB Television Network's television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". Creator Joss Whedon later said that one of the reasons he chose Sutherland for the role was the fact that she had a warm demeanor, as well as what he felt she look similar to actress Sarah Michelle Gellar, who was to play her daughter in the series. She was on the series often for the first five seasons. After she left at the end of season five, she returned for three more guest appearances. 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.