Not many actors get two iconic, and incredibly different, sitcoms to their name but Annie Potts has proven herself as a versatile comedy star. From her role on Designing Women as part of the Sugarbaker & Associates team to Meemaw herself in Young Sheldon, Annie Potts is indispensable onscreen.
But she’s also a very valued presence off-screen and an inspiration to her well-known husband and their three grown up children. Get out the pasting table and start stripping back those faded florals, it’s time to update your space and get all the news on Annie Potts’ famous family.
© WireImage for New Line Cinema via Getty ImagesClay has plenty of experience in entertainment and now has a son of his own
Clay Samuel Senechal, 44
Clay Samuel Senechal is the eldest child of Annie Potts and her third husband Scott Senechal. He was born on 29 April 1981, his parents deciding to keep details on his upbringing quiet. He studied English at Brown’s University and subsequently followed his mother’s footsteps into entertainment.
He’s since worked for DreamWorks, FX, Prime Video, and Netflix, writing an animated film for the latter. Clay is a father to son Silas, who he welcomed with his partner, author Anna Carey in 2022.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesJames ‘Doc’ Hayman, like his elder brother and parents, pursued a career in the movie industry
James Powell Hayman, 33
Annie Potts said ‘I do’ to James Hayman in 1990 and two years later they welcomed her second son James Powell. James and partner Katrina Engle are parents to son Cassius James Hayman, born in 2021.
Known as ‘Doc’, James pursued a career in the film industry just like his parents, opting for a behind-the-scenes production role on projects like Lisa Frankenstein, Hit Man and Renfield. He also worked on three episodes of his mum’s recent hit Young Sheldon.
© Ron Galella Collection via GettyAnnie’s youngest, known as Harry, had a brief career onscreen like his famous parents
Isaac Harris Hayman, 30
The youngest of three and second son of Annie and James, Isaac Harris Hayman, known as Harry, was born in December 1995. Like the rest of his family, Harry was drawn to entertainment for a while with roles in Joan of Arcadia and Hot Hot Los Angeles, but has since focussed his energy on poetry.
He describes himself on Instagram as a “poet” and “talker”. He and Annie are clearly close, with his mother proudly posting photos of the pair in Anguilla in 2021 and a 2023 trip to England.
© Ron Galella Collection via GettyAnnie’s marriage to James is her fourth and longest marriage at 36 years strong
Marriage to James Hayman
Annie Potts tied the knot for the fourth time with James Hayman in 1990 and the pair have been happily married for 36 years.
The Ugly Betty and NCIS: New Orleans executive producer has been nominated for two Primetime Emmys and has also worked as a director on projects including The Sopranos and Desperate Housewives.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesThe ’80s sitcom world would be nothing without Annie Potts
An ’80s favourite
The ’80s had some of the best sitcom casts to date and Designing Women was no exception. Together with actresses Dixie Carter, Jean Smart, Delta Burke and Meshach Taylor, Annie Potts as Mary Jo Shively brought TV’s favourite design firm to life.
She’s also appeared in iconic hits like Ghostbusters, Pretty in Pink and Magnum PI, securing her spot as one the decade’s most iconic actors.
© Getty Images for ReedPopAnnie Potts is still active in the industry, with her voice a familiar sound even to kids today
Where is she now?
Around four decades on from her role as Mary Jo, Annie is still regularly appearing onscreen today. She has voiced Bo Peep in the Toy Story franchise since 1995, appeared in the Ghostbusters 2016 remake and its sequel.
Annie recently reprised her role as Meemaw in Young Sheldon spin-off Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage, which follows Georgie Cooper’s journey through adulthood, young parenting and marriage to Mandy.
Read the full article here
