Joanne Zorian trained at Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama followed by many years in various roles in repertory theatre.
A large body of her work was on the stage where she appeared in Annie, Stepping Out Alfie, and The Beggars Opera. She co-wrote and performed in the one woman show The Ladies Who Lunch at the Edinburgh Festival and in London. Her film roles included Shirley Valentine and Teacher's Pet and aside from acting her voice was put to use for continuity announcements on Channel Four. Regular acting roles on television include appearances in Doctors, Brookside, The Politician's Wife and Bread. She appeared on Coronation Street as Mrs Charnock in September 1985 and as Charlotte Morris, the best friend of Richard Hillman's murdered ex-wife Patricia in October 2002.
As well as continuing to appear in acting roles, she is an acting and voice coach, giving lessons in stage appearances, public speaking and television presentation.