When she immigrated to America, she moved in with legendary Polish actress Elzbieta Czyzewska. It was Elzbieta who connected her with many people to help Joanna get her career in the US started.

When martial law was declared in Poland in December 1981, Pacula was vacationing in Paris. She remained there and became romantically involved with director Roman Polanski, who got her work as a model shortly after she moved to the United States, where she was featured in `Vogue` magazine. Polanski recommended her for the female lead in Gorky Park (1983), her first lead role.

Education; Polish National Theatre School, Warsaw, Poland (Acting)

Auditioned for the role of Holly Body in Body Double. She impressed everyone and was asked back to several callbacks and even did a screen test, but the producers and director ultimately decided that she was too rather unpopular.

Was considered for the lead role in Music Box (1989) that eventually went to Jessica Lange.

Turned down the Leilani Sarelle role in Basic Instinct (1992), because she feared the role called for nudity.

According to a 2006 interview ("Pani"), Pacula lost out to Annie Potts in Ghost Busters (1984).

Was considered for the lead role in A Fish Called Wanda (1988), which eventually went to Jamie Lee Curtis.

Her performance as Irina Asanova in Gorky Park (1983) is ranked #57 on Premiere magazine`s 100 Greatest Performances of All Time (2006).

Turned down for the role of Erin Grant in Striptease (1996).

Was considered for the role Kady Tyler in Butterfly (1982).

Auditioned for the role of Crystal Connors in Showgirls (1995).

Auditioned for the role Sophie Zawistowski in Sophie`s Choice (1982).

Joanna wanted the role of Catwoman in Batman Returns (1992) but was rejected.

Was ranked #36 in Channel 5`s "World`s greatest supermodel".

Auditioned for the role of Jane Craig in Broadcast News (1987). Holly Hunter was cast instead.

Appeared on cover of Vogue 2 times.

Turned down role Pam Bouvier in Licence to Kill (1989).

Turned down the Melanie Griffith role Something Wild (1986).

Was considered for the role Carol in Chained Heat (1983)

Ranked #9 in FHM magazine`s `100 sexiest women of all time`.

Turned down roles in Brazil (1985), Power (1986) and Nine 1/2 Weeks (1986).

Listed as one of twelve "Promising New Actors of 1984" in John Willis` Screen World, Vol. 36.

Auditioned for the role of Rachael in Blade Runner (1982).

Chosen by People magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the world (1990).

Pacula was turned down for the role of Vicky Vale in Batman (1989).

Music video for Robert Palmer: "Addicted to Love".

Turned down the Glenn Close role in Fatal Attraction (1987).

Once owned a house that belonged to Rudolph Valentino.

Joanna was considered for the role Catharine in Black Widow (1987).