Joan Martha Van Ark (born June 16, 1943) [1] is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Valene Ewing on the primetime soap opera Knots Landing. A life member of The Actors Studio, [2] she made her Broadway debut in 1966 in Barefoot in the Park.

Joan Van Ark. Actress: Knots Landing. Joan Van Ark, just out of high school, was the second youngest student to attend the Yale School of Drama on a scholarship. The youngest was Julie Harris.

Jun 17, 2023 · Joan Van Ark has kept away from the spotlight in recent years, only making rare appearances. She's chosen to shy away from Hollywood to live a private life with family. Just days before celebrating her 80th birthday, Van Ark was spotted at an event making it her first public appearance in a while.

Apr 9, 2025 · Joan Van Ark explained on her new podcast 'We're Knot Done Yet' that she didn't want Ted Shackelford to play her on-screen husband Gary Ewing after they starred together in an episode of 'Wonder ...

Joan Van Ark is best known for her portrayal of Valene Ewing in CBS’ primetime soap opera series ‘Dallas’ and its spin-off series ‘Knots Landing’ (1978-93). Her character debuted in 1978 in an episode of ‘Dallas’ and went on to become one of the main protagonists of ‘Knots Landing’.

Dec 21, 2023 · “I am more closely connected with Michele [Lee] and Donna [Mills] than ever,” Joan Van Ark, 80, exclusively tells Closer. “The three of us have a sisterhood. I want us to go to a rest home and be...

Dec 31, 2023 · Soap opera icon Joan Van Ark had a remarkable rise to fame, historic career, and surprising retreat from the limelight. This is her story.

Apr 11, 2025 · Joan Van Ark is a soulful woman. In an illustrious career that has spanned 35 years, Van Ark has graced stage and screen with an uncommon dignity. She has often played troubled women, women in distress, women scorned. It is in television, though, that Van Ark has become legendary.

Mar 23, 2025 · Knots Landing diva Joan Van Ark is back at KnotsLanding.Net to celebrate the release of the Knots Season 1 DVD and answered your questions in our exclusive interview. Two weeks ago, Joan van Ark completed a successful run as Helena in Tennessee Williams’ A LOVELY SUNDAY FOR CREVE COEUR at the Hartford Stage Theatre, Connecticut.

Joan joined Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray and other major cast members of "Dallas" at the "Southfork Ranch Experience." October 25, 26 and 27, 2024 Full event details here.