Ivy Jones may not be a household name, but her face is familiar to generations of TV and film viewers. The veteran American character actress has worked steadily since the early 1970s — from Gunsmoke and The Waltons to a late-career renaissance as "Grandma" on FX's Baskets. At 78, she remains one of those beloved supporting players whose career spans half a century of American television. How old is Ivy Jones, and what has she appeared in? Here is everything verified about the actress.
Personal Info
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Ivy Jones |
| Also Known As | Ivy DeFelitta |
| Profession | Actress (television and film) |
| Date of Birth | 1948 (exact date not publicly disclosed) |
| Age | 78 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | Not publicly reported |
| Marital Status | Previously married to actor Gregory Sierra (ended before his 2021 death) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Career Debut | Early 1970s |
| Known For | Grandma in Baskets (2016–2017); Actor #4 in City Island (2009) |
| Source of Income | Acting (television and film roles) |
Early Life & Family
Ivy Jones was born in 1948 and raised in New York City, New York. Little is publicly documented about her parents or upbringing — she has always been a working actress rather than a celebrity, and her early life has stayed out of the press. She began acting professionally in the early 1970s, landing her first on-screen role in an episode of the classic Western series Gunsmoke.
Career Journey
| Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| Early TV (1970s) | Began acting professionally in the early 1970s; first appeared onscreen in Gunsmoke, then in two episodes of The Waltons (1973 and 1974). Appeared in the 1977 horror film Audrey Rose. |
| Steady character work (1980s–2000s) | Worked continuously across television and film for decades, building a reputation for memorable supporting performances. |
| City Island (2009) | Gained renewed attention with a role (credited as Actor #4) in the independent comedy-drama City Island, starring Andy Garcia. |
| Baskets (2016–2017) | Reached wide modern recognition playing "Grandma" — Christine Baskets' mother — in several episodes of the FX comedy Baskets alongside Zach Galifianakis and Louie Anderson. |
| Later roles | Appeared in Iron Nest of the Moon (part of an ensemble that received a Best Acting Ensemble award), guest-starred on The West Wing (Season 3 episode "The Black Vera Wang"), and played Lois in the 2024 film Thelma. |
| Advocacy | Known for her passion for animals and animal-rights advocacy. |
Net Worth 2026
Ivy Jones's net worth has not been publicly disclosed. As a longtime character actress rather than a leading star, no verified net worth figure has ever been published for her, and any number found online should be treated as speculation.
Personal Life
Jones has kept her personal life largely private. She was previously married to actor Gregory Sierra — best known for Barney Miller and Sanford and Son — and also worked professionally under the name Ivy DeFelitta. The marriage ended before Sierra's death in January 2021. Beyond her well-documented love of animals and animal-rights advocacy, little else about her private life is public.
Ivy Jones in 2026
At 78, Ivy Jones's most recent credited screen work includes the 2024 film Thelma, in which she played Lois. While she keeps a low public profile, her decades of character work — from 1970s Westerns to a beloved FX comedy — continue to earn her recognition from fans of classic and modern television alike.
> Related: more actress biographies you'll enjoy: Jessica Biel — actress, producer, and longtime Hollywood star. Amanda Seyfried — from teen musicals to Oscar-nominated dramatic roles.
Conclusion
Ivy Jones represents the best of the character-actor tradition — five decades of steady, memorable work across Gunsmoke, The Waltons, The West Wing, City Island, and Baskets. At 78, her career stands as a quiet testament to longevity in an industry that rarely rewards it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How old is Ivy Jones? A: Ivy Jones is 78 years old. She was born in 1948 (the exact date has not been publicly disclosed) and was raised in New York City.
Q2: Who is Ivy Jones the actress? A: Ivy Jones is an American character actress who has worked in television and film since the early 1970s. She is best known to modern audiences as "Grandma" on FX's Baskets (2016–2017) and for her role in the 2009 film City Island.
Q3: What is Ivy Jones's net worth? A: Her net worth has not been publicly disclosed. No verified figure exists, and any number found online should be treated as speculation.
Q4: Was Ivy Jones married to Gregory Sierra? A: Yes. She was previously married to actor Gregory Sierra (of Barney Miller and Sanford and Son fame) and also worked under the name Ivy DeFelitta. The marriage ended before Sierra's death in January 2021.
Q5: What TV shows has Ivy Jones been in? A: Her credits include Gunsmoke, The Waltons (1973, 1974), The West Wing, Baskets (as Grandma, 2016–2017), and films including Audrey Rose (1977), City Island (2009), and Thelma (2024).
Q6: What is Ivy Jones known for outside acting? A: She is known for her passion for animals and her animal-rights advocacy work.
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