Recently, Joy Suprano has appeared in two new feature films that both had their premieres at the 2025 Tribeca Festival in June, having played Nicole in Westhampton (the sister of Tom Bell, played by Finn Wittrock) and Margaret in On a String (working with writer/director Isabel Hagen, who was also in the cast playing Isabel). This year saw the final series of Harlem air, and Joy joined the cast as Nova, and she was in the cast of feature film Magic Hour as Trish. Joy had a guest role last year playing Jackie Werth in Girls5eva on Netflix, and she previously played recurring character Patty across all three series of crime drama Hightown. Further screen roles for Joy include playing Cyndi Leffer in the 2022 mini-series Fleishman Is in Trouble, and she played Maggie – the mother of lead character Josh (Logan Marmino) – in the Apple TV+ series Best Foot Forward, which was nominated and won an award at the 2023 Children & Family Emmy Awards. Upcoming for Joy are a number of unannounced projects and a feature film called NO LIMITS, which she wrote, directed and produced. Speaking with Joy, she told us about the two new feature films – Westhampton and On a String, joining the cast for the final series of Harlem, playing Cyndi Leffer in mini-series Fleishman Is in Trouble and her time as Maggie in Apple TV+ series Best Foot Forward.

You are in the casts of two new feature films – Westhampton as Nicole and On a String as Margaret, can you tell us about both films and your characters?

On a String is a funny and heartfelt film about a struggling Juilliard-trained violinist navigating life in New York City. In the film, I play Margaret – a comedic character who is a privileged, well-meaning music lover who tries very hard to be politically correct… but hilariously misses the mark.

Westhampton is a compelling drama that follows Tom Bell (played by Finn Wittrock), a once-successful filmmaker grappling with the pressure to recreate his breakout hit while being haunted by the guilt of a tragic high school accident. I play Nicole Bell, Tom’s sister. Nicole is strong and unafraid to set boundaries – ultimately becoming the force that pushes Tom to return to Westhampton and confront the emotional and literal baggage he’s tried to leave behind.

What was it like on set of Westhampton and was there anything that drew you to the project?

What drew me to the project was working with my Juilliard classmate and friend Finn Wittrock. While on set there were so many things I loved about being a part of Westhampton, but one of the moments that stands out most was working with director Christian Nilsson. At the time, I was in the early stages of producing my first feature, and meeting Christian – and hearing about his journey producing and directing Westhampton – was incredibly inspiring. His generosity, mentorship, and friendship gave me the confidence I needed to get my own film funded and made. I’m so grateful to have been part of Westhampton and to have learned from someone as talented and generous as Christian.

How was it being in the cast of Westhampton, and what did you enjoy most about playing Nicole?

I actually got the role of Nicole thanks to Finn Wittrock. Finn and I went to the Juilliard School together (group 37), and I’ve always thought of him as a brother. The Juilliard Drama community is incredibly tightknit, and I feel lucky to be part of it – especially in moments like this. A few months before filming Westhampton, the director asked Finn if there was anyone he envisioned playing his sister. Finn recommended me and called to see if I’d be interested in the role.

Finn is one of the most talented actors I’ve ever worked with. From our very first day at Juilliard, I was inspired by his work and loved collaborating with him throughout our time there. So when he mentioned the idea of me playing his sister on screen, it was an easy and joyful yes. Getting to work together in Westhampton was fun and meaningful.

What was Margaret like to play in On a String, and how was it reading the script for the first time and working with the writer/director Isabel Hagen (who also stars in the film as Isabel)?

I became involved with On a String thanks to my friend and one of the film’s producers, Charlotte Ray Rosenberg. She mentioned the project to me and said they were looking for a comedic actress for a fun cameo role. The director had seen my work in Fleishman Is in Trouble and thought I’d be a great fit, so Charlotte sent me the script – and it was an immediate yes.

The film’s writer, director, and lead actress Isabel Hagen is not only a brilliant comedian but also a Juilliard alum from the music division. I found her script absolutely hilarious, smart, and emotionally grounded. As a fellow Juilliard grad and female filmmaker, I felt an instant kinship with her. I wanted nothing more than to support her vision and be part of the magic she was creating. Playing Margaret was a blast! I love to make people laugh and I loved Margaret’s complete lack of a filter – it made her such a fun character to play. She was hilariously written and an absolute joy to step into.

Isabel is brave, funny, raw, and incredibly talented. When I first read On a String, I laughed, cried, and honestly wanted to play every single role in the film. To me, that’s always the sign of a great script – when each character is so vivid and fully realised that you can see them jump off the page.

In June, you attended the premieres for both Westhampton and On a String at the 2025 Tribeca Festival, what were the premieres like to attend and how was it having two films shown at this year’s festival?

On a String and Westhampton both premiered at Tribeca, and as someone who has lived in New York for so many years, it was such a thrill to be part of that iconic festival. But more importantly, both of those filmmakers played a huge role in my journey as a first-time filmmaker. So being with them on their very first days on set to reuniting on the red carpet at their Tribeca premieres was a true blessing. It was incredibly inspiring to witness their hard work, talent, and vision come to life – and to see them finally get the recognition and audience they so deeply deserved.

How was it joining the cast of Harlem for their recently-released final series and what were your episodes like to film as Nova?

Harlem – just wow! What an amazing cast of strong, funny, powerhouse women. In the final season, Camille Parks (played by Meagan Good) writes a book, and I play her toxically positive book editor, Nova. I always jump at the chance to take on a good comedic role, and Nova was such a fun one.

The show is brilliantly-written—the kind of writing that makes your job as an actor easy. My character, Nova, is so funny and I drew on my experience in the entertainment industry when playing her. Having spent years in the industry and taken more than my share of meetings with agents and managers, I definitely drew on some of that overly chipper, borderline ruthless energy I’ve encountered along the way in entertainment industry meetings. Nova was an absolute blast to bring to life.

Can you say about the feature film Magic Hour, in which you play Trish, and what was the film like to be part of?

Magic Hour is a beautiful, heartwarming, and funny film that follows the life of a once-promising filmmaker, Harriet (played by Miriam Shor), now stuck in the suburbs and emotionally adrift – alienated from her cheating husband and rebellious daughter. In a moment of quiet defiance, she secretly enrolls in film school to reignite the creative spark she lost long ago.

I play Trish, a drama teacher and Bob’s current girlfriend – the “other woman,” for lack of a better term. Roles like this can often fall into one-dimensional territory and be very unlikeable, but Trish was written with such empathy and depth that she never felt like a villain. Thanks to the openness of writer/director Jackie Christy, I was able to collaborate closely which allowed me to lean into the comedy of the situation – especially with Miriam Shor leading the charge as the film’s emotional and comedic anchor. Miriam’s impeccable timing gave me the freedom to bring some funny to the role of Trish, which made the experience incredibly rewarding. Working alongside the dynamic duo of Josh Stamberg (Bob) and Miriam Shor (Harriet) made playing Trish not only easy, but so fun. I was sandwiched between two incredible actors. It was a good time.

Last year, you played guest character Jackie Werth in an episode of Girls5eva for Netflix, how would you describe your character and how was it filming with the regular cast?

Girls5eva has Tina Fey and Sara Bareilles attached – so, need I say more? As a comedic actress, I’d gladly give up both my left and right toes to work on anything involving Tina Fey. And Sara Bareilles? #bigfan. Honestly, if they had asked me to play a talking plant, I would’ve said yes without hesitation.

My character, Jackie Werth from Fort Worth, is a talk show host – and I had the ridiculous joy and honour of interviewing the entire cast. Those women are so funny, it was almost impossible to keep a straight face. It was an absolute blast.

How was your time playing the recurring character Patty across all three series of the crime drama Hightown?

I loved playing Patty on Hightown! Rebecca Cutter created such an edgy, raw, and powerful show that dives deep into addiction and the opioid epidemic in America. In the midst of that dark and often intense world of murder, sobriety, and struggle, Patty was a funny, offbeat break – and I had so much fun bringing her to life. Honestly, I miss her. Hightown is now streaming on Netflix (US) so it will be fun for new audiences to have a chance to see this incredible drama.

An added bonus? I got to work alongside one of my dearest friends and fellow Juilliard Drama alum, Monica Raymund, there’s nothing better than getting to create with your classmates out in the ‘real world’.

How did you find the experience working on the 2022 mini-series Fleishman Is in Trouble as Cyndi Leffer?

Fleishman Is in Trouble is hands-down one of the most complex scripts I’ve ever read. Taffy Brodesser-Akner created a world that hits you straight in the gut – raw, real, funny and deeply human. Working with Jesse Eisenberg and Claire Danes was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I had a front row seat to an acting masterclass.

That job was truly an actor’s dream – the writing, the direction, the cast – it’s the kind of project you hope for when you choose this path.

What are some of your favourite memories from being involved with the Apple TV+ series Best Foot Forward as Maggie (mother of lead character Josh, played by Logan Marmino)?

In all honesty, it’s hard to put into words what Best Foot Forward means to me. And to be completely transparent – I think Apple TV+ really missed the boat by not giving this show more seasons.

As a mom, this is exactly the kind of content and programming we need more of: fun, funny, real, authentic, age appropriate and even educational. Best Foot Forward is perfect for the whole family – there’s something for everyone. So often, family shows are either too grown-up for the littles or too silly for the adults, but the writers and producers on Best Foot Forward nailed that rare Goldilocks moment in family programming: just right.

I learned so much about the limb difference community through this show, and I think it did a beautiful job helping audiences understand the importance of never limiting someone based on how they look.

I absolutely LOVED being part of this show. I loved the cast. And working with Logan Marmino was truly one of life’s biggest blessings. That kid is going to change the world and shatter stigmas – you just watch.

As for Maggie, the character I played? She’s basically the TV version of me – the better version. Playing her made me want to be a better mom. I love her! I miss her! That show holds a special place in my heart.

How was it telling the story of Best Foot Forward and what was it like seeing the response to the series, which included a nomination and a win at the 2023 Children’s & Family Emmy Awards?

Seeing the response to Best Foot Forward has been awesome. So many parents and kids have reached out to thank me for being part of a family-friendly show that promotes awareness and inclusion – and that kind of feedback means everything.

Watching the show receive awards has been an added bonus, but what really stands out is how hard the network, the producers and the creative team worked to bring authenticity to every character and storyline. Their commitment to honest, inclusive storytelling (in front of and behind the camera) truly made this show something special.

How did you get into acting and was it always something you wanted to do professionally?

I’ve always known this is what I was meant to do. You could say my ‘gateway’ into the industry was through dance and singing, but by sixth grade, I knew – I wanted to be an actress. There was no Plan B. It wasn’t a hobby or a phase; it was my path, period.

Do you have any favourite films and TV shows to watch?

That’s a great question – I binge-watched The Four Seasons in one night (no regrets), and the very next night I tore through Sirens. I’m actually on the hunt for my next show… any recommendations? I’m wide open!

How do you like to spend your free time?

Free time doesn’t really exist at the moment… but I’m NOT complaining – I love being busy! I’m currently in pre-production for my next television project (hopefully to be announced soon!) and in postproduction on NO LIMITS, the feature film I directed and produced.

When I’m not working on those two projects, I spend all my time with my husband and our 10-year-old son. He’s super active and right in the middle of his summer baseball season, so I absolutely love cheering him on and watching him do his thing.

I also love volunteering – at my church, my son’s school, and within the community. I’ve always felt called to serve, and staying involved in those spaces brings me so much joy and purpose.

What are you hoping the rest of the year brings for you, and do you have any projects coming up that you can share?

I’ve been fortunate to be involved in some exciting projects recently – hopefully I can share more soon! The one I’m most focused on right now is a film I wrote, directed, and produced called NO LIMITS – a coming-of-age baseball drama. It tells the story of a young Little Leaguer who’s left with a crushed dream, but a full heart. It’s a film about resilience, identity, and finding your way – on and off the field.

In the meantime, I’m open to new opportunities – on screen and off. I love this industry, and there’s nothing that makes me happier than being a part of it.

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