Joan Van Ark, born in 1943 in New York City, didn’t hail from a showbiz family. However, her encounter with actress Julie Harris during her teenage years in Denver altered her trajectory. Encouraged by Harris, Van Ark secured a scholarship to the esteemed Yale Drama School, becoming its second female enrollee.

Transitioning from theater to television, Van Ark gained prominence through roles in “Temperature’s Rising,” “Spider-Woman,” and “Days of Our Lives.” However, it was her portrayal of Valene Ewing in “Dallas” that propelled her to widespread fame. This led to her pivotal role in its spin-off, “Knots Landing,” spanning 13 seasons and 327 episodes.

Despite initial reluctance, her husband, news anchor John Marshall, convinced her to take the part, even as Julie Harris later joined the series as her character’s mother.

After departing “Knots Landing,” Van Ark continued her acting career, including a stint on “The Young and The Restless.” With a net worth of $10 million, she remains an enduring figure in the industry.

At 78, Van Ark remains active, recently appearing in the 2017 TV film “Psycho Wedding Crasher.” As a life member of The Actor’s Studio, her legacy as an icon in the entertainment world endures, showcasing a remarkable career spanning over five decades.