Joan Van Ark was famously known for her role in “Dallas” but her career kicked off after being cast for the show’s spin-off, ‘Knots Landing.”
Van Ark started acting at the Minneapolis Guthrie Theater, starring in “The Miser,” followed by “Death of a Salesman,” and many more. The actress was also the second woman to receive a scholarship and be enrolled in the Yale School of Drama.
The first and youngest woman to join the institution was Julia Harris, who also encouraged Van Ark to enroll in the school. Van Ark eventually started her television career and appeared in shows such as, “Temperatures Rising” and “We’ve Got Each Other” before getting her breakthrough on “Dallas.”
The actress went on to win multiple acting awards through her theatre performances, including the Theater World Award for her part in “The Rules of the Game,” a Los Angeles Drama Critics Award, and two Soap Opera Digest Awards.
But throughout the years, the actress’ appearance changed after she reportedly got some work done on her face. However, even in her 80s, she still has a thriving career.
Joan Van Ark Left Her Long-Time Show and Went through a Drastic Transformation
After building the beloved character Valene on “Knots Landing,” Van Ark decided to leave after 13 seasons because she thought it was time to step out of her comfort zone.
Her departure was inspired by her news reporter husband, John Marshall, who left his job at KNBX Channel 4 after two decades to take on another at KCOP Channel 13, just to quit after a day and pursue other interests.
Van Ark explained that her husband took a risk when he moved onto another job, but when he realized it was the same as his previous one, he decided to let it go.
The actress departed the famous CBS show on good terms. She expressed how much her cast members were a big part of her heart and had greatly influenced her life and career...CONTINUE READING