Joan Alexander was an American actress who is best known for her work in “The New Adventures of Superman,” “The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure,” and “The Tales of Hoffmann.” Born on April 16, 1915, in St. Paul, Minnesota, she garnered renown for her voice role as Lois Lane in various animated Superman productions.
Personal and Family Life
Joan Alexander, originally named Louise Abrass, had a diverse personal life marked by three marriages. She had three children with her third husband, Arthur Stanton, and one child from her previous marriage to Dr. Robert P. Crowley. Joan initially pursued modeling before transitioning to acting, inspired by her studies under the Yiddish theatre director Benno Schneider.
Career and Impact
In addition to her notable voice work, Alexander was recognized for her involvement in television shows, such as “What’s My Line?” and “The Name’s the Same.” Her contributions to the Superman franchise significantly impacted the character of Lois Lane, bringing her to life for many fans during the 1940s and beyond. She continued to engage with her artistic interests while raising her family.
Death and Legacy
Joan Alexander passed away on May 21, 2009, in New York City due to an intestinal ailment. Her legacy lives on through her memorable performances and influence on the iconic character of Lois Lane. Despite challenges later in life, including a legal dispute involving her finances, she remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Japoteurs | 1942-09-18 | Lois Lane (voice) (uncredited) |
| The Mechanical Monsters | 1941-11-28 | Lois Lane (voice) (uncredited) |
| Billion Dollar Limited | 1942-01-09 | Lois Lane (voice) (uncredited) |
| The Bulleteers | 1942-03-27 | Lois Lane (voice) (uncredited) |
| The Arctic Giant | 1942-02-27 | Lois Lane (voice) (uncredited) |
| Volcano | 1942-07-10 | Lois Lane (voice) (uncredited) |
| Electric Earthquake | 1942-05-15 | Lois Lane (voice) (uncredited) |
| Terror on the Midway | 1942-08-30 | Lois Lane (voice) (uncredited) |
| Secret Agent | 1943-07-30 | Secret Agent (voice) (uncredited) |
| Showdown | 1942-10-16 | Lois Lane (voice) (uncredited) |
| The Underground World | 1943-06-18 | Lois Lane (voice) (uncredited) |
| Jungle Drums | 1943-03-26 | Lois Lane (voice) (uncredited) |
| Eleventh Hour | 1942-11-20 | Lois Lane (voice) (uncredited) |
| Destruction Inc. | 1942-12-25 | Lois Lane (voice) (uncredited) |
| The Mummy Strikes | 1943-02-19 | Lois Lane / Jane Hogan (voice) (uncredited) |
| Superman | 1941-09-26 | Lois Lane (voice) (uncredited) |
| Max Fleischer’s Superman 1941-1942 | 2009-04-07 | Lois Lane (voice) (archive sound) |
| The Magnetic Telescope | 1942-04-24 | Lois Lane (voice) (uncredited) |
| The New Adventures of Superman | 1966-09-10 | Lois Lane (voice) |
| The Name’s the Same | 1951-12-05 | Panelist |
| What’s My Line? | 1950-02-02 | Self – Panelist |