- 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.
- 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. This meeting also later inspired Anna (1987).
- Appeared on cover of Vogue 2 times.
- Once owned a house that belonged to Rudolph Valentino.
- Education; Polish National Theatre School, Warsaw, Poland (Acting)
- She was supposed to play the role of Blavatsky in the movie Zombie Strippers! (2008), but due to the conflict of the schedule she had to leave the project, which she later regretted.
- Ex-daughter-in-law of Howard W. Koch.
- She was Christopher Coppola's second choice for the role of Vanessa in the movie Dracula's Widow (1988), but she refused. The role went to Sylvia Kristel.
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