- Joan Van Ark has undergone significant physical changes over the years after getting some work done on her face.
- Fans have expressed mixed reactions on her plastic surgery while some pointed out that she did not need it.
- The actress is in her early eighties and will turn 81 this year .
From (L-R) Susan Shermack, Dale Stuart, Joan Van Ark, and Judy Hickey attend a program for ushers at the Bonfils Theater on January 23, 1963 | Source: Getty Images
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.
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 Joan Van Ark over the years.
Joan Van Ark on the set of “Love American Style,” 1972 | Source: Getty Images
Van Ark in 1979
During this period, Van Ark’s face features smooth, youthful skin. She has high cheekbones and a defined jawline while rocking curly blonde hair. Meanwhile, her eyes appear bright and expressive.
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,” 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 and Ted Shakelford on the set of “Knots Landing,” 1985 | Source: Getty Images
Van Ark in 1986
In this image, Van Ark’s face shows subtle changes. Her skin is slightly more mature compared to 1979. The star’s eyebrows are well-groomed and slightly thinner. Van Ark’s hair is styled in voluminous, loose waves.
Joan Van Ark poses for a portrait on January 1, 1986 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
In this next photo, Van Ark’s facial features are similar to the previous 1986 photo. Her eyebrows are neatly shaped and slightly thinner than in 1979. Her high cheekbones and defined jawline are prominent and her hair is similarly styled with 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 this photo from 1997, Van Ark’s face shows more mature skin with noticeable signs of aging. Her skin has more visible lines and slight sagging around the eyes and mouth. Meanwhile, the public figure’s eyebrows are thinner and more arched.
Joan Van Ark at the Genesis Awards on April 5, 1997 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Another image from this period shows Van Ark’s hair styled in a blonde look. She sports 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
Joan Van Ark’s face appears more refined with noticeable cosmetic enhancements at this time. Her skin is smooth and tight, with fewer wrinkles and lines. Meanwhile, her eyebrows are well-defined and slightly arched.
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 appear larger and more lifted, and her lips are fuller compared to earlier years. Her hair is styled in sleek, straight layers that frame her face. The blonde color is consistent with her previous style but appears brighter and more platinum.
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, Van Ark’s face continues to show signs of cosmetic enhancements. Her skin is very smooth and tight, with minimal wrinkles. Her eyebrows are thin and well-shaped, with a slight arch.
Joan Van Ark at the 7th Annual TV Land Awards on April 19, 2009 in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images
The Hollywood star’s eyes appear lifted and wide, and her lips are noticeably fuller. Her hair is styled in straight, sleek layers and she appears to be in good 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
From 2016, images show Van Ark’s skin which is very smooth and tight, with almost no visible wrinkles. Her eyebrows are thin and well-defined, with a slight arch. Her hair is styled in straight layers that fall around her face and shoulders.
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 claimed. “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,” added another. While one stated, “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 expressed admiration for Van Ark. “Loved her on ‘Knots Landing,’” penned one person. “Knots Landing was my favorite show back in the day,” penned another. Someone else said, “Love her as Val on ‘Knots Landing.’”
Van Ark in 2017
In 2017, Van Ark starred in the film “Psycho Wedding Crasher,” wherein she sported a different hairstyle. Photos show her skin which is extremely smooth and tight and her eyebrows are thin and well-defined, with a noticeable arch.
Joan Van Ark on the set of “Psycho Wedding Crasher,” 2017 | Source: YouTube/KTLA5
Her hair is styled in a straight, sleek bob that frames her face closely. The hair color is a dark brown, which is a noticeable change from her previous blonde shades.
Van Ark in 2022
In this 2022 image, Van Ark’s face continues to reflect significant cosmetic enhancements. Her skin is very smooth and tight, with minimal visible wrinkles, giving her a very taut appearance. Her hair is styled in a high ponytail, which adds a youthful and active look to her appearance.
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Van Ark made a rare public appearance in June 2022 for the first time in more than three years as 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 asked on X, “What’s happening to Joan Van Ark?” More people commented about Van Ark’s looks on Facebook, with one writing, “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 stated. One observed, “Omg! What happened to her. She was such a beautiful lady.” Someone else penned, “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,” commented one person. Another said, “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 wrote.
Van Ark in 2024
In this 2024 image, Van Ark’s face continues to show signs of cosmetic enhancements. She has minimal visible wrinkles, giving her a youthful appearance.
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 last appearance was in a blue suit with a classic hairstyle and long hair. Social media users commented on her look. “Looks like Joan aged naturally,” wrote one on Facebook. Another mentioned her plastic surgery, writing, “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
Joan Van Ark 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.