- Joan Van Ark’s transformation over the years reveals significant physical changes, speculated to be due to cosmetic enhancements.
- The actress’s evolving appearance has sparked a whirlwind of mixed reactions, prompting some to wonder, ‘What happened to her?’
- Approaching her 81st birthday, Van Ark continues to captivate audiences, though her latest appearance has incited regret among some fans.
Joan Van Ark, now in her early 80s, continues to be a topic of discussion among fans who frequently comment on her ever-changing looks. Over the decades, her appearance has noticeably transformed, sparking speculations of plastic surgery.
Joan Van Ark pictured at an airport on November 30,1965 in London, United Kingdom. | Source: Getty Images
Van Ark, a seasoned actress, started her illustrious career at the Minneapolis Guthrie Theater with a role in “The Miser.” Her journey in the entertainment industry has seen her grace numerous TV shows and films, with each phase reflecting a significant evolution in her appearance.
Joan Van Ark photographed on January 1, 1965 | Source: Getty Images
From rising to fame and becoming a beloved household name to facing scrutiny over her looks, let’s delve into the remarkable transformation of Van Ark over the years.
Joan Van Ark on the set of “Love American Style,” 1972 | Source: Getty Images
Van Ark in 1979
At this time, Van Ark’s face featured smooth, youthful skin, high cheekbones, and a defined jawline, complemented by her bright, expressive eyes and curly blonde hair.
Joan Van Ark on the set of “The Love Boat,” 1979 | Source: Getty Images
It was during the late 70s that Van Ark appeared on the CBS television series “Knots Landing,” a role that turned her into a household name. The show aired for 14 seasons until 1993 and also starred Constance McCashin and Michele Lee.
Joan Van Ark poses for a portrait on January 1, 1979 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Van Ark in 1986
Van Ark spoke about her experience on “Knots Landing” during a 1986 interview as she reflected on her relationship with Julie Harris. She and Harris attended Yale School of Drama together and co-starred in the television series years later. Van Ark described the actress as “magnificent.”
Joan Van Ark poses for a portrait on January 1, 1986 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Notably, this period marked a shift in Van Ark’s look, blending her natural beauty with the early stages of speculative cosmetic enhancements. The star’s eyebrows were well-groomed and slightly thinner and her hair was styled in voluminous, loose waves.
Joan Van Ark attends CBS TV Affiliates party on June 13, 1986 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Van Ark in 1997
In May 1997, Van Ark reprised her role as Valene in the CBS miniseries “Knots Landing: Back to the Cul-de-Sac.” It was a continuation of the original show which aired four years after it ended.
Joan Van Ark at the Genesis Awards on April 5, 1997 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
During this period, Van Ark’s face showed more mature skin with noticeable signs of aging. Her skin had more visible lines and slight sagging around the eyes and mouth. She sported a bob hairstyle, with her blonde hair falling smoothly around her shoulders.
Joan Van Ark at the American Comedy Honors on August 23, 1997 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Van Ark in 2007
By 2007, Van Ark’s complexion was taut and unblemished, displaying minimal signs of aging. In contrast, her eyebrows were meticulously shaped with a gentle arch.
Joan Van Ark attends the screening of “Love Letters” on December 1, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
In addition, Van Ark’s eyes seemed more pronounced and elevated, while her lips gained fullness compared to previous years. Her hair covered her face beautifully.
Joan Van Ark attends the screening of “Love Letters” on December 1, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Van Ark in 2009
In this picture from 2009, Van Ark’s face reflects ongoing rumored cosmetic enhancements. Her complexion is exceptionally smooth and firm, with minimal signs of aging. Her eyebrows are thin, neatly shaped, and exhibit a subtle arch.
Joan Van Ark at the 7th Annual TV Land Awards on April 19, 2009 in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images
While attending the TV Land Awards, the Hollywood star impressed in an all-black outfit that highlighted her figure, showcasing her excellent shape.
Joan Van Ark at the 7th Annual TV Land Awards on April 19, 2009 in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images
Van Ark in 2016
Images from 2016 reveal Van Ark’s exceptionally smooth and firm skin, nearly devoid of visible wrinkles. It is more apparent to fans that she had work done on her face.
Joan Van Ark attends a media preview for “Murder, Lust and Madness” on March 24, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
During this period, Van Ark attended BritWeek’s 10th Anniversary at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on April 23, 2016, in Beverly Hills, California.
Joan Van Ark attends BritWeek’s 10th Anniversary on April 23, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Van Ark’s appearance sparked mixed reactions online. One person . “I love her but sorry way too much botox.” “Well she looks older than that. Hollywood or hard living must really take a tow on some ppl,” another. While one , “She’s 37… in her mind.”
Joan Van Ark attends BritWeek’s 10th Anniversary on April 23, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, others still admiration for Van Ark. “Loved her on ‘Knots Landing,’” penned one person. “Knots Landing was my favorite show back in the day,” another. Someone else , “Love her as Val on ‘Knots Landing.’”
Van Ark in 2017
In 2017, Van Ark“Psycho Wedding Crasher,” wherein she sported a different hairstyle. Photos showed her skin extremely smooth and tight and her eyebrows thin and well-defined, with a noticeable arch.
Joan Van Ark on the set of “Psycho Wedding Crasher,” 2017 | Source: YouTube/KTLA5
Her hair was styled in a straight, sleek bob that framed her face closely. The hair color was a dark brown, which was a noticeable change from her previous blonde shades.
Van Ark in 2022
In these June 2022 photos, Van Ark’s face was noticeably very smooth despite her age, with minimal visible wrinkles, giving her a very taut appearance.
The rare public appearance was her first in , where she ran errands in Los Angeles. The then-78-year-old was spotted in athletic wear and had her blonde locks tied up in a ponytail.
Amid her outing, she appeared thin which sparked various comments online. One person on X, “What’s happening to Joan Van Ark?” More people commented about Van Ark’s looks on Facebook, with one , “What happened to her! My heart shattered. May God bless her with the best of health.”
Joan Van Ark attends The Real Love Boat Series Kick-off party on October 1, 2022 in San Pedro, California. | Source: Getty Images
“My goodness, she looks so frail. I hope she is ok, another . One , “Omg! What happened to her. She was such a beautiful lady.” Someone else , “She had plastic surgery years ago when she was much younger and she didn’t need it.”
Joan Van Ark attends The Real Love Boat Series Kick-off party on October 1, 2022 in San Pedro, California. | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, others came to her defense by expressing admiration for her. “I so loved her in ‘Knots Landing!’ Awesome actress,” one person. Another , “She actually looks great! If she wants to live a quiet, private life let her do so!” “I think for her age, she looks just fine,” one .
Van Ark in 2024
In this 2024 photograph, Van Ark’s face maintains a youthful appearance with little to no visible wrinkles. She still rocks her long signature blonde tresses.
Joan Van Ark attends the Los Angeles Ballet 18th Annual Gala on April 18, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Van Ark’s most recent public appearance saw her wearing a blue suit with a classic hairstyle and long hair. Social media users commented on her look. “Looks like Joan aged naturally,” one on Facebook. Another mentioned her alleged plastic surgery, , “Poor Joan, her surgeon should be fired. She was always so naturally pretty.”
Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark at the Los Angeles Ballet 18th Annual Gala on April 18, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
turns 81 on June 16, 2024. While some appreciate her decision to maintain her youthful looks, others feel she may have gone too far with cosmetic enhancements.