Joan Rhodes was an American actress known for her roles in The Elephant Man, The Pink Panther Strikes Again, and Dick Turpin. Born on April 13, 1921, in London, England, she became famous for her unique talents and strongwoman performances. Joan passed away on May 30, 2010, in London, England.
Personal and Family Life
Joan Rhodes was born as Joan Louisa Ada Taylor. She was often referred to by her nicknames, including “Mighty Mannequin” and “Diana Dors with muscles.” Joan showcased her exceptional strength as a professional strongwoman, capable of tearing telephone books and bending iron bars. She also had a notable sense of humor, famously stating, “I plan on growing old disgracefully.”
Career Highlights
In her acting career, Joan appeared in films directed by Vernon Sewell, such as Johnny You’re Wanted and Burke & Hare. She was known for her memorable performances and even auditioned for a role in Federico Fellini’s Casanova, where she was supposed to wrestle Donald Sutherland. However, the role went to a taller actress, as it was deemed too unusual for a smaller woman to defeat him.
Death and Legacy
Joan Rhodes died on May 30, 2010, in London, England, leaving behind a legacy as a strongwoman and actress. She documented her life in her autobiography, Coming on Strong, published in 2007 with a foreword by comedian Roy Hudd. Her impact on both the entertainment industry and strongwoman performances is remembered fondly.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Clinton: His Struggle with Dirt | 1998-11-02 | |
| The Pink Panther Strikes Again | 1976-12-15 | Daphne |
| The Elephant Man | 1980-10-09 | Cook |
| Burke & Hare | 1972-02-03 | Hairy Mary |
| Johnny, You’re Wanted | 1956-01-20 | Herself |
| Duty Free | 1984-02-13 | Gypsy Lady |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self |