Joan van Ark was born on June 16, 1943, in New York City, far from the world of entertainment. Her life took a significant turn during her teenage years while acting in Denver, where she met actress Julie Harris, who would greatly influence her career. Julie encouraged Joan to apply to the prestigious Yale Drama School and even helped her secure a scholarship, making Joan the second woman ever to enroll there.
Joan recalled: “Harris wrote to the dean and asked him to meet me. Long story short, my parents drove me to New Haven, Connecticut, where the dean awarded me a scholarship. It felt destined”. After honing her skills in theater, Joan shifted her focus to television, where she starred in shows like Temperature’s Rising, Spider-Woman, Days of Our Lives, and even made a guest appearance on Bonanza. However, it was her role as Valene Ewing on Dallas in 1978 that propelled her to stardom.
Her success on Dallas led to her starring in its spin-off, Knots Landing, which was actually developed before Dallas. Initially, Joan was set to join the Knots Landing cast, but she ended up reprising her role on Dallas first. It was her husband, newscaster John Marshall, who encouraged her to accept the role despite her busy schedule. When it was announced that Julie Harris would play Val’s mother, Joan was thrilled. “I couldn’t believe they had picked her to be my mother”, she recalled in a 1984 interview.
After 13 seasons and 327 episodes on Knots Landing, Joan left the show just before its final season. While many speculated that her departure contributed to the show’s cancellation, she was ready for new challenges. “I loved my time on that show”, she stated, expressing gratitude to the show’s creator, David Jacobs, and her co-star, Ted Shackelford, who she considered family.
Joan and John, who met in high school, have been happily married for over 58 years and share a daughter, Vanessa Marshall, who works in the entertainment industry. Now at 81, Joan has a net worth of $10 million and remains stunning. She was last spotted five years ago, casually paying for parking in workout attire.
Her most recent appearance was in the 2017 television film Psycho Wedding Crasher. After a remarkable 50-year career in entertainment, Joan van Ark is now a life member of The Actor’s Studio, solidifying her legacy as an icon.
For centuries, people have claimed to be able to tell what someone’s personality is like, just by looking at a few basic physical features. Some believe that you can determine someone’s personality just by the length of their fingers! Some people find it very accurate and others think it’s a load of crap.
However, regardless of what your opinions may be, there used to be an entire area of science dedicated to things like this. Phrenology was used to analyze a person’s personality based on the measurements of their skull. Listed below are interpretations of what the shape of your nails may reveal about your personality:
1. The vertically long nail.
You’re probably a real romantic. Even-tempered with a strange but wonderful imagination. You can be a perfectionist and easily overwhelmed. You see the little things that few notice. People really love you. You get along with most people.
2. The broad-sided nail.
Unlike #1, you’re more short tempered. You are, however, a sharp, deep thinker. Even though you’re short tempered, people enjoy you for your straightforwardness. You can tell the difference between the truth and lies. That ability allows you to cut through the BS and offer the best advice. You don’t tell people what they want to hear, you tell them what they need to hear.
3 and 4. The “round-egg” nail.
You’re the endlessly happy one. You’re the pacifist. You’re the laid-back one. You enjoy doing things in a very unique way. You rarely go with the what the majority is doing. Even though you’re in touch with your feelings, you don’t often let them get the better of you.
5. The square nail.
You’re the gutsy one. You’re the one born a natural leader. You have a serious attitude that can put people off, but that makes your playful, good-natured moments all the more pleasant and fun for everyone around you.
6 & 7. The Triangular nail.
You’re the smart ones of the bunch. You’re typically innovative and brilliant when others demand perfection out of you. You often bring new ideas faster than most. People you meet are fascinated by you.
8. The almond nail.
You’re honest, friendly, and faithful. You’re polite but firm when it’s needed. People enjoy spending time with you because you find the good in them. You’re good at handling difficult situations.
9. The sword nail.
Last but not least, the sword nail. In your life, you’re often the tip of the sword. You’re ambitious. You work hard. You have your goals and you won’t stop until you meet them. You’re often well rounded and can handle tasks even far outside of your comfort zone. Your ambition is often contagious.
What are your thoughts on this?
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