Episode 123 – A Revealing Chat with Iconic Prime Time Soap Diva & “Knots Landing” Star Joan Van Ark - Part 1
In this must-hear episode of Hollywood Obsessed, host Tony Miros sits down with the legendary Joan Van Ark—beloved by millions for her unforgettable role as Valene Ewing on the classic primetime soap “Knots Landing.” For 13 seasons, Joan brought depth, vulnerability, and strength to one of television’s most iconic characters—and in this candid conversation, she shares how it all began.
Joan opens up about her Broadway debut as Corie in “Barefoot in the Park,” directed by the legendary Mike Nichols, and how that pivotal role helped shape her career. She reflects on her life-changing friendship with her idol Julie Harris, who played a major role in getting her admitted to the Yale School of Drama. Joan also talks about the unwavering support of her parents and what she tells aspiring actors today about breaking into the business.
From her early days as a contract player at Universal Studios—where a kind makeup artist (who happened to be Michele Lee’s father!) helped calm her nerves— on set of her first TV role opposite Ben Gazzara on “Run for Your Life,’ Joan shares heartfelt and humorous memories of navigating Hollywood. She reveals how she and Michele Lee became instant friends and how the cast of “Knots Landing” became like a second family.
Plus, hear the surprising story of how Ted Shackelford came to play her on-screen husband Gary Ewing—even after she initially thought it was a terrible idea! Joan also reminisces about working on “Dallas,” her fun chemistry with Charlene Tilton (Lucy), and the unforgettable antics of Larry Hagman, including one particularly messy prank involving peanut butter. Packed with warmth, wit, and wonderful stories, this episode is a treat for fans of classic TV & anyone who loves a great Hollywood journey.
JOAN VAN ARK
Joan began her career with a remarkable distinction—becoming the second youngest student ever admitted to the Yale School of Drama on scholarship, following Julie Harris, who would become her mentor & lifelong friend. She made her professional stage debut in Molière’s The Miser alongside Hume Cronyn and Zoe Caldwell, then went on to appear in Death of a Salesman with Cronyn and Jessica Tandy. Her stage work flourished with notable roles at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., a national tour and Broadway run of Barefoot in the Park directed by Mike Nichols, and award-winning performances in The School for Wives and The Rules of the Game.
She rose to national fame for her iconic portrayal of Valene Ewing on Dallas and its long-running spin-off Knots Landing.Over 13 seasons, she received six award nominations and won two Soap Opera Digest Awards. Joan later reprised the beloved role in two reunion specials and a guest appearance in the rebooted Dallas on TNT. Her television work also includes starring roles in sitcoms like Temperature Rising and We’ve Got Each Other, a year-long role on The Young and the Restless, and appearances in The Nanny, My Name is Earl, and Nip/Tuck. In 2025, she reunited with co-stars Michele Lee and Donna Mills for the podcast We’re Knot Done Yet.
Van Ark's work extends to numerous television movies, including When the Darkman Calls, Tainted Blood, Always Remember I Love You, and Boys Will Be Boys, which she also directed—earning a Humanitas nomination. She lent her voice to the animated series Spider-Woman and Santo Bugito, and in 1997 directed an Emmy-nominated documentary on homelessness and domestic violence for the Directors Guild of America.
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Joan Van Ark
Actress
Joan Van Ark launched her acting career with an impressive start, becoming the second youngest student ever admitted to the Yale School of Drama on scholarship—preceded only by Julie Harris, who would later become her lifelong friend and co-star on “Knots Landing.”
She made her professional stage debut at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis in Molière’s “The Miser,” opposite Hume Cronyn and Zoe Caldwell. She followed that with “Death of a Salesman” alongside Cronyn and Jessica Tandy. After a season at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., Joan was cast in the national tour of “Barefoot in the Park,” directed by Mike Nichols. She later reprised the role in both the West End and on Broadway. Her stage work earned her a Tony Award nomination for “The School for Wives” and a Theatre World Award for “The Rules of the Game.”
She is perhaps best known for her role as Valene Ewing beginning on Dallas and continuing on the spin-off series, “Knots Landing.” During her 13 seasons as Val, she earned six award nominations and two Soap Opera Digest Awards for Best Actress. Joan also starred in the TV comedies “Temperature Rising” and “We've Got Each Other.” In May 1997, she reprised her role in the CBS miniseries “Knots Landing Reunion: Back to the Cul-de-sac,” and again in a second reunion special in December 2005. In 2008, she and her “Knots Landing “castmates appeared on NBC's Today Show, and again in 2009 on CBS's The Early Show. In 1998, she guest-starred in an episode of “The Nanny” written specifically for her. From 2004 to 2005, she starred in the CBS… Read More
