Recognize her? Better sit before you learn her true identity…

Joan van Ark was born on June 16, 1943, in New York City, New York. Her parents were not connected to the film industry.

When Joan was a teenager acting in Denver, she met actress Julie Harris, and their lives would never be the same.

Julie pushed her to go to the highly regarded Yale Drama School and gain admission using a scholarship she had also set up.

Joan van Ark was born on June 16, 1943, in New York City, New York. Her parents were not connected to the film industry.

When Joan was a teenager acting in Denver, she met actress Julie Harris, and their lives would never be the same.

Julie pushed her to go to the highly regarded Yale Drama School and gain admission using a scholarship she had also set up.

This made Joan Van Ark the second-ever woman to enroll at the Drama School

She [Harris] 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,” Joan recalled.” It was meant to be.” Joan went on to perform in the theatre for a few years, but her real passion was in Television.

Temperature’s Rising, Spider-Woman, and Days of Our Lives

Joan achieved enormous renown as a result of her roles in Temperature’s Rising, Spider-Woman, Days of Our Lives, and even one Bonanza episode. But her role as Valene Ewing on Dallas in 1978 was where she first achieved great popularity. She ended up playing the most important role she has ever had.

Because of how popular the show was, Joan appeared on its spin-off, Knots Landing. a program that was actually written prior to Dallas. Dallas was initially chosen by the producers because it was the best option for portraying affluent households at the time. Joan was then forced to play the same part in Dallas instead of joining the Knots Landing cast.

13 Seasons of Knots Landing ensued for Joan Van Ark

The person who actually convinced Joan to accept the part while already working on two other projects was her husband, renowned newscaster John Marshall. There was a moment when Val Ewing’s mother was scheduled to make her television debut. Surprise, surprise—Julie Harris was chosen for the position. The person who mattered the most to her in all the world was this.

“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.”

327 Episodes later, Joan Van Ark was ready for new ventures

13 Seasons and 327 episodes later, Joan left a season before the show saw its final season air. She knew many blamed her leaving on the cancellation of the show, but she was ready for new adventures. “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, and divorces. It’s far more difficult to leave than I thought.” Joan thereafter appeared on The Young and The Restless as Gloria Fisher.

In high school, John Marshall first met Joan, and the two quickly got married. They have a lovely daughter named Vanessa Marshall who works in the entertainment industry at the moment. After 56 years of marriage, the pair is still very much in love and leads extremely private lives away from the spotlight.

78 years old with a net worth of $10 million

At 78 years old, Joan has amassed a $10 million net worth and is still as gorgeous as ever when seen out and about in Los Angeles. She was last seen three years ago and was just seen paying for parking at a meter while wearing workout clothes and a ponytail.

She co-starred in the 2017 television film Psycho Wedding Crasher, which was her most recent and final appearance on screen.

Joan Van Ark, who has worked in the film industry for the past 50 years, has joined The Actor’s Studio as a life member. What an icon!

Those who have been through it will understand

The excitement, the anticipation, the nervousness—going on a first date is a rollercoaster of emotions. Whether it’s a blind date, a long-awaited meet-up, or an unexpected romantic evening, there’s no denying that first dates are special. But for those who have experienced it firsthand, there’s one undeniable truth: first dates can be wildly different for men and women.

As humorously depicted in the viral image, the contrast in emotions and reactions can be hilariously exaggerated. Boys, symbolized by thick, slow-dripping glue, struggle to maintain composure, while girls, represented by a flowing waterfall, seem effortlessly natural. But what does this really mean? Let’s break it down.

The Nervous Energy of a First Date

Why Do First Dates Feel Like a Big Deal?

First dates come with a unique pressure. It’s the moment when two people decide if there’s chemistry, compatibility, and a possible future together. The stakes feel high, which is why people go to great lengths to look their best, act their best, and create the perfect first impression.

  • Boys: Often overthink every move—what to wear, how to speak, when to crack a joke, and whether or not to compliment her hair too soon.
  • Girls: Usually come prepared with conversation starters, an exit strategy (just in case), and a mental list of red flags to look out for.

The internal panic is real for both sides, even if they express it differently.

The Kiss Conundrum: Overthinking vs. Going With the Flow

Ah, the infamous first-date kiss. Should it happen? Should it wait? The answer? It depends.

  • Boys: Often hesitate, wondering, “Is she expecting it?” “Would it be too soon?” “Do I lean in now or wait for the right moment?”
  • Girls: More often than not, they already know what they want before the date even starts. If they feel the chemistry, they’ll send signals. If they don’t, they’ll make it clear with subtle body language.

Video : The Only Dating Advice You’ll Ever Need!

This dynamic is what makes the image so hilariously relatable. The glue represents the hesitation, slow response, and nervous buildup on the guy’s end, while the waterfall symbolizes confidence, flow, and certainty from the girl’s side.

Common First-Date Awkward Moments

1. The Silence That Feels Like Forever

The dreaded awkward silence. It happens when nerves take over, and both people forget how to carry a conversation.

Tip: Have a few go-to topics ready. Movies, travel, food, and hobbies are safe bets. Just avoid talking about exes!

2. The Bill Battle: Who Pays?

This one always sparks debate. Some still follow traditional etiquette (the guy pays), while others prefer to split or take turns.

Tip: Be ready for anything. If he insists on paying, let him. If she offers, don’t argue too much. Just don’t make it awkward.

3. The Goodbye Moment

This is when things can get really confusing. Should you hug? Shake hands? Kiss? Walk away with a simple “see you soon”?

Tip: Pay attention to body language. If they linger, they probably want a bit more time with you. If they step back, take the hint.

How to Make a First Date Less Awkward

1️⃣ Be Yourself: Seriously, pretending to be someone you’re not will only make things worse in the long run.

2️⃣ Keep It Light: First dates are about fun and connection, not a life-altering commitment.

3️⃣ Laugh It Off: If something awkward happens, laugh about it! Humor can turn an embarrassing moment into a bonding experience.

Video : 11 Obvious Signs He’s Interested in You After the First Date

Final Thoughts

First dates are unpredictable, exciting, and sometimes nerve-wracking. But that’s what makes them unforgettable. The key is to enjoy the moment, embrace the awkwardness, and just go with the flow—whether you’re the glue or the waterfall.

For those who have been through it, you know the feeling. And for those yet to experience it—get ready for a ride!

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