Born in New York City on June 16, 1943, Joan was drawn to Hollywood even though her parents had no experience in the TV business. Because of her love of theater, Joan met Julie Harris at a Denver performance. Julie encouraged Joan to enroll in Yale Drama School, and this proved a turning point in Joan’s career. As a result of Harris’s recommendation, Joan was able to obtain a scholarship and join the exclusive group of female students.
Joan made a seamless transition from theater to television, appearing in episodes of Bonanza as well as Days of Our Lives and Temperature’s Rising.
Her big break came when she played Valene Ewing on Dallas in 1978. Dallas later became the spinoff series Knots Landing, which was originally planned before Dallas. Joan’s career was determined for 13 seasons once she decided to take the lead in Knots Landing, encouraged by her husband.Given their shared past, it was a full-circle event for Joan when Julie Harris was chosen to play her character’s mother in Knots Landing. This was a noteworthy point in her career.
Reflecting on the profound relationships and life lessons she had learned during her time on the series, Joan said that the cancellation of Knots Landing following her departure, which came after 327 episodes, represented the end of an era.
After Knots Landing, Joan kept looking for new parts. She played a big role as Gloria Fisher on The Young and the Restless, which demonstrated her adaptability and continuing influence in the television industry.