Joan Van Ark, the renowned actress known for her iconic role as Valene Ewing in the hit 1980s TV series Dallas, has had a long and successful career in the entertainment world.
While her portrayal of Valene Ewing earned her widespread fame, she memorably returned to her beloved character on Knots Landing in 2012, albeit for just one episode. Still embracing her passion for acting and life, Joan Van Ark remains a vibrant and respected figure in Hollywood.
Van Ark is happily married to his high school sweetheart and they have a child together. At 78, she’s still going strong. In a recent interview, Van Ark claimed that she was solely responsible for the fall of Knots Landing.When she was a young child, her family moved to Boulder, Colorado. Later, she found that the change of location was beneficial for her profession.

Van Ark’s desire to work as an actor was something she never questioned. She stated that she realized she was destined for show business after the quarterback of her high school football team turned down an invitation to the prom. Although she had no previous experience in the film industry, her parents still supported her ambitions. Van Ark has had a successful career spanning over 50 years, appearing in both film and television.

Joan Van Ark was cast as the flower girl in the play after being rejected for the role she applied for. After a nice experience, she decided to take acting more seriously. Acting turned out to be a huge part of her life as she discovered that she loved it.

Van Ark enrolled at Yale Theater School after meeting Julie Harris, an actor, while performing in Denver. Harris encouraged Van Ark to continue studying acting and drama. Van Ark was only the second woman to enroll at the prestigious school and the youngest scholarship recipient in its history.“My parents drove me to New Haven, Connecticut to meet with the dean after I wrote to him. He presented me with a pre-approved scholarship offer.

Van Ark made her debut in The Miser at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis in 1963. After a year at Arena Stage in Washington, DC, she moved south to work with the national touring company Barefoot in the Park.

The transition from stage to screen marked a significant milestone in Joan Van Ark’s career. She made her Broadway debut during this period and received a 1971 Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play for her role in School for Wives. In addition, Joan has made guest appearances on various television shows, including Temperature’s Rising, Spider-Woman, Days of Our Lives, and even a memorable episode of Bonanza.
Joan Van Ark’s career continued to flourish as she seized the opportunities that came her way. In Part 2 of this narrative, we’ll explore her enduring legacy, her iconic portrayal of Valene Ewing, and her remarkable contribution to the world of entertainment. Joan Van Ark’s journey is a testament to her talent, resilience and enduring passion for acting.