Recognize her? Better sit before you learn her true identity…
Joan van Ark entered the world on June 16, 1943, amidst the bustling streets of New York City, New York. Contrary to expectations, her parents had no ties to the film industry.
During her teenage years, while pursuing acting in Denver, Joan crossed paths with the esteemed actress Julie Harris. This encounter marked a pivotal moment in their lives, shaping their destinies in ways they never anticipated.
Julie encouraged her to attend the prestigious Yale Drama School and facilitated her admission by arranging a scholarship.
This marked Joan Van Ark as the second woman ever to register at the Drama School.
She [Harris] penned a letter to the dean, requesting a meeting. “To cut a long story short, my parents drove me to New Haven, Connecticut, where I met the dean, who granted me a scholarship,” Joan reminisced. “It felt fated.” Joan subsequently graced the stage for a few years, yet her true ardor lay in television.
Her notable appearances include Temperature’s Rising, Spider-Woman, and Days of Our Lives.
Joan gained immense fame through her performances in “Temperature’s Rising,” “Spider-Woman,” “Days of Our Lives,” and even a guest appearance on “Bonanza.” However, it was her portrayal of Valene Ewing on “Dallas” in 1978 that catapulted her to stardom. This role marked a significant turning point in her career.
The overwhelming success of “Dallas” led to Joan’s involvement in its spin-off, “Knots Landing,” a series initially conceived before “Dallas” but later prioritized by producers for its portrayal of affluent households. Joan found herself reprising her role in “Dallas” instead of joining the “Knots Landing” ensemble.
Joan Van Ark continued to captivate audiences for 13 seasons on “Knots Landing.”
Joan’s husband, the esteemed newscaster John Marshall, was the one who ultimately persuaded her to accept the role, despite her already being committed to two other projects. Then came the pivotal moment when Val Ewing’s mother was set to make her television debut. To Joan’s surprise, the coveted role went to Julie Harris.
Reflecting on the momentous occasion in a 1984 interview with Florida Today, Joan reminisced, “When the producers told me they had finally found someone to play my mother, I held my breath. I thought, ‘Oh my God, are they going to say Phyllis Diller or Zsa Zsa Gabor, or who?’ Then they said it was Julie Harris, and I went right through the roof. I couldn’t believe they had chosen her to be my mother. They didn’t even know we were friends.”
With 327 episodes under her belt, Joan Van Ark was poised for new adventures.
After 13 Seasons and 327 episodes, Joan bid farewell to the series one season before its final airing. Despite rumors blaming her departure for the show’s cancellation, she eagerly embraced new adventures. Reflecting on her time, she remarked, “The 13 years on that show have meant more to me than words can express.” She credited “Knots Landing” creator David Jacobs for shaping her life and teaching her invaluable lessons.
She expressed deep gratitude for her co-star Ted Shackelford, describing him as the essence of her presence on the show and a cherished part of her heart. The cast and crew had become her extended family, sharing in the joys and sorrows of marriages, deaths, and divorces. Departing proved to be more emotionally challenging than she anticipated.
Following her exit, Joan transitioned to “The Young and The Restless,” portraying Gloria Fisher.
During his high school years, John Marshall encountered Joan for the first time, sparking a connection that eventually led to their marriage. Their union brought forth a wonderful daughter named Vanessa Marshall, who currently thrives in the entertainment sector. Despite 56 years of matrimony, their love remains vibrant, and they maintain a discreet lifestyle, shying away from public attention.
At 78 years old, John Marshall boasts a net worth of $10 million.
At 78 years young, Joan boasts a remarkable $10 million net worth and continues to radiate beauty as she strolls around Los Angeles. Though her last public appearance was three years ago, she was recently spotted effortlessly paying for parking at a meter, donning workout attire and a casual ponytail.
Her notable role in the 2017 television film “Psycho Wedding Crasher” marked her most recent and concluding performance on screen.
With a remarkable five-decade career in the film industry, Joan Van Ark has been inducted as a life member of The Actor’s Studio. Truly an iconic figure!
