While performing in Denver, Van Ark met actress Julie Harris while interviewing her for a local newspaper, and the actress persuaded her to study acting and drama at the Yale Drama School.
As a result, Van Ark became the youngest student ever to receive a scholarship to the well-respected school and the second woman ever to enroll. The first woman was Julie Harris, who helped Van Ark into the school.
“She wrote to the dean and asked him to meet me. Long story short, my parents drove me to New Haven, Connecticut, to meet the dean, who gave me a scholarship,” she recalled.” It was meant to be.”
Valene Ewing on ‘Dallas’ and ‘Knots Landing’
Van Ark began her professional career at the Minneapolis Guthrie Theater, where she starred in The Miser by Moliere. After working about a year at the Arena Stage in Washington DC, she moved down to work with the national touring company Barefoot in the Park in 1963, which led to her Broadway debut. In 1971, she was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play after starring in The School for Wives.
At that point, Joan Van Ark had begun working in front of a screen rather than on stage. She appeared on television series including Temperature’s Rising, Spider-Woman, and Days of Our Lives and even in one episode of Bonanza.
Even though Joan Van Ark wasn’t short of jobs, she was still looking for her significant breakthrough role as the 1980s approached. In 1978, she made several appearances as Valene Ewing on Dallas – which led her to the role of a lifetime.
Knots Landing – a spinoff of Dallas – premiered in 1979, and Joan Van Ark reprised her role as Valene Ewing. She starred in 327 episodes – acting alongside Michele Lee as Karen and Ted Schakleford as Gary – and became a massive star.
Even though it was a spinoff of Dallas – about the rotten but wealthy Ewing Clan – it was initially brought to CBS years before.
However, the network wanted a “big rich family” show, and Dallas got picked as the one. But later on, Knots Landing became a massive success as the studio realized how big of a show Dallas had grown into, and after only one season, it rose into the top 20 in TV ratings.
How Joan Van Ark almost missed out on her biggest role
Knots Landing became the story of Gary Ewing and his wife Valene – played by Van Ark – and how they decided to start a new life in Knots Landing.
However, Van Ark almost missed out on the part of Valene Ewing. She explained that she had a “three-way clash” where she did The Love Boat simultaneously, as well as a commercial in New York.
In the end, it was her husband – John Marshall, who we will come back to in a minute – that persuaded her into choosing Dallas. And it was a significant – and important – decision.
“I got the call asking me to do a guest appearance in this show called Dallas, which was attracting a lot of buzz, but I said to my husband, ‘John, why should I even read this script? I can’t be in three places at once,’” she told Express. “Then he read it and said, ‘No, you’ve got to do it. It looks wonderful.’”
“So basically, he talked me into a schedule that had me in LA one day, then flying to Dallas for two days, followed by two days in New York and then back to Texas. But looking at this old cast photo from Knots Landing – the spinoff from Dallas – I’m so glad I listened to him,” she added.
Dallas and Knots Landing became a 15-year commitment for Van Ark, who became identified by her role. As earlier mentioned, she and Julie Harris had quite a history – and in 1980, they met again
“I could stay forever on the show and be safe”
Harris was cast in Knots Landing as the mother of Van Arks’ character, and for the actress, it was almost too good to be true.
“When the producers told me they had finally last someone to play my mother, I held my breath,” she recalled in a 1984 interview with Florida Today.
“I thought, ‘Oh my God, are they going to say Phyllis Diller or Zsa Zsa Gabor, or who?’ Then they said it was Julie Harris, and I went right through the roof. I couldn’t believe they had picked her to be my mother. They didn’t even know we were friends.”
Joan Van Ark stayed for 13 seasons and 327 episodes on the show. Then in 1993, just one season after she left, Knots Landing was canceled. But the reason for Joan leaving wasn’t that she didn’t like it. Instead, it was all about her trying on new challenges.“I could stay forever on the show and be safe,” Van Ark told the Los Angeles Times in 1992.
“But three years ago, I did Night of the Iguana in Williamstown (Mass.), and I had a quote from Tennessee Williams taped on my mirror, taken from an essay he’d written on success. It said, and I’m paraphrasing here: ‘Security is in the shape of a kidney-shaped pool in Los Angeles, where you sit waiting for your residual checks.’ I was in a comfortable spot on Knots, and an artist should not be comfortable.”
At the same time, the television series became a huge part of Van Ark’s life. So even though she felt comfortable leaving, it was a tough blow since she thought it would be easier.
Blamed herself for ‘Knots Landing’ cancelation
“I have loved more than life the 13 years I’ve had on that show,” she said. “[Knots Landing creator] David Jacobs is a great influence on my life, has taught me so much about so many things. Ted [Shackelford] is the other half of every breath I take on the show, and personally, he’s a large part of my heart. The people are my family–we have shared marriages, deaths, divorces. It’s far more difficult to leave than I thought.”
The show didn’t quite work without the great chemistry between characters Valen and Gary. In fact, Joan took the blame for the show being shut down.
“Well, it was my fault. I jumped over to NBC to do a pilot which did not sell,” she said. “I was so ready to go, after fourteen years with the one lady, so I auditioned for the pilot, and they cast me. It wasn’t as cleanly negotiated as it should have been. When the pilot didn’t sell, they asked me back, and I did do the four-hour finale of the show.”
Joan Van Ark left the soap opera business behind but continued to star in many television series. She had minor parts in television series, including Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and starred in some television movies. Between 2004 and 2005, Joan appeared as Gloria Fisher in 55 episodes of the hugely successful television drama The Young and The Restless.Joan Van Ark – marriage, husband, children
It’s common for celebrities in Hollywood to marry other celebrities, and show-biz marriages don’t always last very long.
But that wasn’t the case for Joan Van Ark, who met the love of her life back in high school. She met her husband, John Marshall, while the two were students in Boulder. In 1966, the couple married on a military base in Germany.
“Believe me, it was nothing like the marriages [Valene Ewing] has gone through,” she told UPI.
In 1969, they welcomed daughter Vanessa Marshall, who also chose a career in entertainment. She became a well-known voice-over artist and actually gave up on her on-camera acting career. Instead, Vanessa Marshall has lent her voice to animated films, television series, and several video games.
John Marshall went on to become an Emmy newsman, working on KNBC-TV and NBC. He’s had a flourishing career just as his wife Joan, and while the couple was working hard to make it in their respective fields, Vanessa was growing up.
For Van Ark, becoming a mother while trying to navigate through the business was tough. And she gives credit to her husband, John, for keeping the family together during those stressful years.
“He is the reason we have the most wonderful daughter in the world and that the marriage has stayed strong,” Van Ark told The Leader-Post in 1988. “I feel I am the committed person who can’t give up time for this or that.”
“He did not want to miss watching Venessa grow up, and he did not want to miss me,” she added. “He knows correspondents live out of suitcases. John made career choices I didn’t agree with because if it had been me, I would have packed my bags, and I would have been waiving at the airport.”Joan Van Ark – net worth
Besides her acting job, Joan Van Ark has a great interest in running. The 78-year-old has completed several marathons and explained she’s running instead of going to a psychologist. However, when it comes to her husband, she stated that she would never go on a run with him.
Why? Because “it’s the quickest way to a divorce that I know of. You’re always criticizing the other’s style,” Joan said.
In the last decade, Joan Van Ark has continued to work on stage in several productions for theater and starring in television series and movies such as Watercolor Postcards and Psycho Wedding Crasher. But she will always be most remembered for her magnificent spell on Dallas and Knots Landing.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Joan Van Ark has a net worth of around $10 million.
Fact: Never lose her if she has this trait
Moles have long been associated with personality traits, destiny, and fortune. While some people see them as simple skin features, others believe they hold deeper meanings. One of the rarest and most fascinating mole positions is in the middle of a woman’s chest. This placement is linked to intelligence, capability, and success in both career and personal life. If you find a woman with this unique trait, consider yourself lucky—she possesses qualities that make her truly exceptional.
A Mole in the Middle of the Chest: A Symbol of Talent and Success
A mole in the center of a woman’s chest is more than just a mark—it’s a symbol of brilliance. Women with this rare feature are known for their intelligence, resourcefulness, and leadership skills. They approach life with calm determination, a trait that often stems from a disciplined upbringing.
These women are naturally gifted in business and have a keen ability to make wise financial decisions. Their sharp minds help them navigate challenges with ease, making them successful entrepreneurs or professionals. No matter how difficult the path, they persevere and ultimately achieve financial stability and a comfortable lifestyle.
A Strong and Ambitious Personality
Women with this mole placement are not easily swayed by emotions. They are practical, strategic thinkers who understand the importance of wealth and success. Their ambitions drive them to push beyond limits, ensuring they never settle for mediocrity.
However, their high standards can sometimes make them appear distant or overly focused on their goals. They seek partners who match their intellect and ambition, which means their love life might take a while to fall into place. But when they do find the right person, they build strong, lasting relationships.
What Do Moles on a Woman’s Chest Reveal About Her Destiny?
The location of a mole on a woman’s chest can reveal important insights into her personality, wealth, and relationships. Let’s break down different chest mole placements and what they signify.
Mole on the Left Chest: A Sign of Wealth and Good Fortune
A mole on the left breast is considered an extremely lucky sign. Women with this mark are believed to be destined for wealth and success. They have a natural ability to attract money and opportunities, leading to a smooth and prosperous life.
These women also have strong, stable relationships. They often marry successful men who provide them with love and security. Their homes are filled with warmth and happiness, making them ideal partners for long-term relationships.
Mole on the Right Chest: A Life of Happiness and Stability
If a woman has a mole on her right breast, she is likely to lead a peaceful and comfortable life. Unlike those with a mole in the middle of the chest, these women may not be highly ambitious, but they are incredibly lucky.
They rarely struggle with financial difficulties and often enjoy a steady and prosperous career. Though they may experience some challenges in their love life early on, they eventually find a devoted and loving partner. Once married, they live a fulfilling life with a supportive spouse and obedient children.
Mole Under the Breast: A Symbol of Prosperity and Attraction
A mole growing beneath the breast is considered a powerful symbol of financial abundance. Women with this mole placement are naturally attractive and charming, often drawing admiration from men.
Left Side vs. Right Side: The Key Differences
- Left-side mole: Indicates inherited wealth, such as land, properties, or family businesses. These women enjoy financial stability without needing to struggle for it.
- Right-side mole: Symbolizes effortless prosperity. These women attract good fortune without working excessively hard. Their destiny is filled with abundance, and they rarely experience financial hardships.
Additionally, women with moles in this position tend to marry into wealthy families. They are well-loved by their husbands and lead comfortable, luxurious lives.
Mole in the Middle of the Cleavage: A Rare Mark of Power and Determination
A mole positioned in the cleavage is one of the most intriguing placements. Women with this mole are naturally ambitious and driven to succeed. They set high goals for themselves and work tirelessly to achieve them.
The Hidden Power of This Mole
- They are strategic thinkers, capable of making well-calculated decisions.
- They are not easily influenced, as they trust their instincts and intelligence.
- They are high achievers, often reaching great heights in business or leadership roles.
However, their ambition can sometimes isolate them from others. They are so focused on their goals that they may neglect personal relationships. Additionally, because of their high expectations, they take their time choosing a life partner, often delaying marriage until they find the perfect match.
Interestingly, if the mole in the cleavage is red, it is believed to bring extraordinary luck. These women receive guidance from powerful mentors and often build a strong, influential network that helps them succeed.
Conclusion: The Woman with the Rare Chest Mole is a Treasure
If you ever meet a woman with a mole in the middle of her chest, cherish her—she is a rare gem. She possesses intelligence, ambition, and an unstoppable drive for success. Her ability to navigate challenges with grace and determination makes her an extraordinary person.
Moles on the chest hold deep meaning, revealing hidden strengths and unique destinies. Whether on the left, right, or middle, each placement carries a different fortune. But among them all, the mole in the middle stands out as a mark of greatness.
Women with this feature are destined for success and wealth. They are not only powerful in business but also selective in love. While their ambitions may delay romance, they eventually find partners who respect and admire their strength.
So, if she has this trait, never let her go—she is someone truly special.
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