Have you ever wondered about the incredible journey of Joan van Ark? Well, get ready to be amazed! Born on June 16, 1943, in New York City, New York, Joan’s parents had no connection to the film industry. But that didn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams.
During her teenage years, Joan met actress Julie Harris, and her life took a dramatic turn. Julie encouraged her to attend the prestigious Yale Drama School, where she herself had established a scholarship. This made Joan the second woman ever to be enrolled in the Drama School.
Joan fondly remembers the day when she met the dean of the Yale Drama School. “Long story short, my parents drove me to New Haven, Connecticut, to meet the dean, who gave me a scholarship,” she recalls. “It was meant to be.” While she enjoyed performing in theater, Joan’s true passion lay in television.
Joan’s talent and dedication led her to achieve tremendous success in the entertainment industry. She gained enormous popularity through her roles in shows like “Temperature’s Rising,” “Spider-Woman,” “Days of Our Lives,” and even a memorable appearance on “Bonanza.” However, it was her portrayal of Valene Ewing on “Dallas” in 1978 that truly catapulted her to fame.
Following the immense success of “Dallas,” Joan joined its spin-off show, “Knots Landing.” Interestingly, the producers initially chose “Dallas” because it was the best option to showcase affluent households at the time. This meant that Joan had to continue playing the same character in “Dallas” instead of joining the “Knots Landing” cast.
For 13 seasons and a total of 327 episodes, Joan Van Ark mesmerized audiences with her incredible talent on “Knots Landing.” Even though it was a challenging decision to accept the role while already working on two other projects, Joan’s supportive husband, renowned newscaster John Marshall, convinced her to take on the opportunity.
One particularly memorable moment for Joan was when Valene Ewing’s mother was scheduled to make her television debut. To her surprise, her dear friend Julie Harris was chosen for the role. “I couldn’t believe they had picked her to be my mother. They didn’t even know we were friends,” Joan recalls.
After leaving “Knots Landing” a season before the show’s final season aired, Joan was ready for new adventures. She cherishes the 13 years she spent on the show, considering creator David Jacobs as a great influence in her life. “Ted [Shackelford] is the other half of every breath I take on the show, and personally, he’s a large part of my heart,” she fondly expresses.
Despite her successful career in the entertainment industry, Joan values her personal life above all else. She first met her husband John Marshall in high school, and after 56 years of marriage, they are still very much in love. They have a lovely daughter named Vanessa Marshall, who is also part of the entertainment industry.
At the age of 78, Joan’s net worth stands at an impressive $10 million. She continues to grace the streets of Los Angeles, looking as radiant as ever. Even though she made her final on-screen appearance in the 2017 television film “Psycho Wedding Crasher,” Joan remains an icon of the film industry.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Joan Van Ark has become a life member of The Actor’s Studio. Her incredible journey and remarkable talent have left an indelible mark on the hearts of audiences worldwide. Joan Van Ark truly is a living legend!
