Joi Lansing was an American actress who is best known for her roles in The Beverly Hillbillies, Touch of Evil, and as a model in various films during the 1940s and 1950s.
Personal and Family Life
Joi Lansing was born Joyce Renee Brown on April 6, 1929, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She came from a family with a father, Jack Glenn Brown, and a mother, Virginia Grace Shupe. Throughout her life, she was married three times, with her last husband being Stanley Laurence Todd, whom she married in 1960 and remained with until her death in 1972. She also had a significant relationship with Nancy Hunter, which lasted until her passing.
Career
Joi began her career in modeling at a young age due to her striking looks and transitioned to acting in the late 1940s. While she initially had minor roles in films, her breakthrough came with her performance in The Bob Cummings Show, which helped establish her acting ability. She gained recognition for playing Gladys Flatt on The Beverly Hillbillies from 1965 to 1968, which remains one of her most remembered roles.
Death and Legacy
Joi Lansing passed away on August 7, 1972, in Santa Monica, California, after a battle with breast cancer at the age of 43. Despite her early struggles in Hollywood, she left a legacy as a talented actress and model, known for her beauty and charisma on screen.