Joan van Ark was born on June 16, 1943, in New York City, far from the world of entertainment. Her life took a significant turn during her teenage years while acting in Denver, where she met actress Julie Harris, who would greatly influence her career. Julie encouraged Joan to apply to the prestigious Yale Drama School and even helped her secure a scholarship, making Joan the second woman ever to enroll there.
Joan recalled: “Harris wrote to the dean and asked him to meet me. Long story short, my parents drove me to New Haven, Connecticut, where the dean awarded me a scholarship. It felt destined”. After honing her skills in theater, Joan shifted her focus to television, where she starred in shows like Temperature’s Rising, Spider-Woman, Days of Our Lives, and even made a guest appearance on Bonanza. However, it was her role as Valene Ewing on Dallas in 1978 that propelled her to stardom.
Her success on Dallas led to her starring in its spin-off, Knots Landing, which was actually developed before Dallas. Initially, Joan was set to join the Knots Landing cast, but she ended up reprising her role on Dallas first. It was her husband, newscaster John Marshall, who encouraged her to accept the role despite her busy schedule. When it was announced that Julie Harris would play Val’s mother, Joan was thrilled. “I couldn’t believe they had picked her to be my mother”, she recalled in a 1984 interview.
After 13 seasons and 327 episodes on Knots Landing, Joan left the show just before its final season. While many speculated that her departure contributed to the show’s cancellation, she was ready for new challenges. “I loved my time on that show”, she stated, expressing gratitude to the show’s creator, David Jacobs, and her co-star, Ted Shackelford, who she considered family.
Joan and John, who met in high school, have been happily married for over 58 years and share a daughter, Vanessa Marshall, who works in the entertainment industry. Now at 81, Joan has a net worth of $10 million and remains stunning. She was last spotted five years ago, casually paying for parking in workout attire.
Her most recent appearance was in the 2017 television film Psycho Wedding Crasher. After a remarkable 50-year career in entertainment, Joan van Ark is now a life member of The Actor’s Studio, solidifying her legacy as an icon.
Kelly Rizzo Shows Incredible Strength in the Face of Grief
Losing a spouse is incredibly difficult, and Kelly Rizzo, widow of Full House star Bob Saget, has shown incredible strength in facing her grief head-on.
After two years of mourning, Rizzo is starting a new chapter – dating. Saget’s unexpected passing in January 2022 due to accidental head trauma shocked the world. Rizzo openly expressed her grief, but now she’s ready to move forward.
Initially, Rizzo shared, “The thought of anything serious in the near future was just too complicated emotionally.” However, she recognized the importance of companionship and expressed openness to simple activities like coffee or hikes.
Recently, Rizzo made her public debut with new partner Breckin Meyer at the Jam for Janie GRAMMY Awards Viewing Party. Meyer, known for roles in movies like Clueless, appeared with Rizzo, confirming their relationship.
Healing is personal, and Rizzo’s willingness to open her heart again is a testament to her strength. As she moves forward, we remember the love she shared with Bob Saget and wish her happiness.
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