Who Is Joan Van Ark? Age, Biography and Wiki
Joan Van Ark was born on June 16, 1943, making her 81 years old in 2025. She is an American actress best known for her roles in television dramas, particularly as Valene Ewing on the classic soap opera Knots Landing. Van Ark has had a diverse career spanning several decades, showcasing her remarkable talent in both acting and producing.
| Occupation | Soap Opera Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 16, 1943 |
| Age | 82 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Joan Van Ark's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Joan Van Ark stands at a height of 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) and weighs approximately 120 lbs (54 kg). Over the years, she has maintained a figure that reflects her commitment to health and wellness. Joan's body measurements are 36-28-36, indicating a classic hourglass shape that she has embraced throughout her career in the entertainment industry.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Joan Van Ark continues to enjoy her life as a single woman. She was previously married to John Marshall, with whom she shares a deep bond formed in the 1970s, though they later parted ways. Joan has been in various high-profile relationships over the years, yet she remains focused on her career and personal growth at this stage in her life. She often shares snippets of her life on social media, yet tends to keep her romantic life private.
Van Ark's father was an advertiser and public relations consultant, photographer and contributor to periodicals such as Collier's and The New Yorker. Carroll Van Ark's paternal grandfather Gradus was an immigrant from The Netherlands who settled in Holland, Michigan. Both of Van Ark's parents were also writers.
After 1952, Van Ark grew up in Boulder, Colorado, with three siblings: Carol, Mark and Dexter.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Joan Van Ark’s estimated net worth is around $5 million. Her wealth primarily comes from her successful television career, stage performances, and various endorsements. Despite her retirement from regular television acting, Van Ark still earns money through guest appearances, which adds to her financial portfolio. Her salary varies, largely dependent on her projects, but she has maintained a stable income throughout her many years in the industry.
Career, Business, and Investments
Throughout her career, Joan Van Ark has appeared in numerous television shows, films, and stage productions. After her iconic role in Knots Landing, she showcased her versatility in shows like The Love Boat, Touched by an Angel, and various telefilms. Joan has also made notable guest appearances on reality TV shows, further solidifying her position as a beloved figure in American entertainment.
In addition to her acting career, she has ventured into business, launching her own line of beauty products that cater to women of all ages. Joan is passionate about empowering women and often discusses her investments in various philanthropic endeavors aimed at helping emerging female artists in the entertainment community.
Van Ark began her professional career at the Guthrie Theater in Molière's The Miser and appeared opposite Hume Cronyn and Zoe Caldwell. That was followed by Death of a Salesman at the Guthrie with both Cronyn and Jessica Tandy.
After a season at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., she originated the role of Corie in the national touring company of Barefoot in the Park, directed by Mike Nichols.
In 1966, she recreated the role at the Piccadilly Circus in the critically acclaimed London Company when she replaced Marlo Thomas, who had pulled out due to a ligament injury; and later that same year, Van Ark made her Broadway debut as Corie at the Biltmore Theater and became one of the successors of Elizabeth Ashley, who three years earlier had
appeared in the original Broadway production.
Social Network
Joan Van Ark is active on social media platforms, including Instagram and Twitter. She uses these platforms not only to connect with her fans but also to promote her various projects and share insights into her day-to-day life. Her social media presence is characterized by an uplifting tone and messages about personal wellness, making her a source of inspiration for many of her followers.
An ABC Afterschool Special called Boys Will Be Boys: The Ali Cooper Story (1994), which she appeared in and directed, was nominated for a Humanitas. In 1997, Van Ark also directed a documentary short on homelessness and domestic violence for the Directors Guild of America, and the piece was nominated for an Emmy Award.
Education
Van Ark attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she majored in theatre. Her education laid a strong foundation for her acting career, equipping her with the essential skills required for her later successes in film and television. Joan has often credited her educational experience for shaping her understanding of the art of acting and performance.
Joan Martha Van Ark (born June 16, 1943) 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, she made her Broadway debut in 1966 in Barefoot in the Park.
In 1971, she received a Theatre World Award and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for the revival of The School for Wives.
