Joi Lansing was born Joyce Wassmansdoff in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 6, 1928. Joi was a young lady who developed, physically, early as a teen. Because of her striking good looks, she began to model and was extremely successful throughout the forties. It was only natural that her physical assets, eventually, landed her on the silver screen.
Joi's first go at films occurred in 1948 with roles as, what else, a model, in THE COUNTERFEITERS, JULIA MISBEHAVES, and EASTER PARADE. She was 20 years old. Her acting wasn't exactly polished in the beginning, but the producers didn't care. Joi was hired because of her beauty.
The following year brought more of the same with uncredited parts in films as nothing more than a show piece. Joi took a hiatus from films in 1950 while she concentrated on her modeling career.
She returned to the big screen, in 1951, to play minor roles, but this time it was a little better. She played Susan Matthews and Marilyn Turner in FBI GIRL and ON THE RIVIERA, respectively. At least she had names to go along with her characters. Then it was back to being a showpiece.
In 1952, she played a uncredited role in one of the most popular movies of all time, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN. Another minor role as the Maxim Girl in THE MERRY WIDOW followed.
Joi began to take on roles in television in 1955 when she appeared in one episode of "The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok" and one of "I Love Lucy" the following year.
In 1955, Joi landed a recurring role as Shirley Swanson in the TV series, "Love That Bob". It was this show that proved to all that Joi could, indeed, act and act well. Because of this series, Joi began to get a few more substantial parts in films such as THE BRAVE ONE, HOT CARS, and SO YOU THINK THE GRASS IS GREENER, all in 1956. Then, it was back to bit roles.
For the balance of the fifties, she continued to appear in B movies with less than quality roles. Joi wondered if she would get anything decent.
After appearing in WHO WAS THAT LADY? in 1960, Joi landed the part of Goldie in the "Klondike" TV series.
However, most viewers remember her as the wife of Lester Flatt in "The Beverly Hillbillies", which she appeared on and off from 1965-1968. As Gladys Flatt, her beauty even surpassed that of Ellie May played by Donna Douglas. Her film career was winding down.
In 1967, Joi appeared as Boots Malone in HILLBILLIES IN A HAUNTED HOUSE. This B movie went nowhere.
In 1972, Joi filmed in one final film, BIGFOOT. Sadly, she never saw the film on the big screen.
Joi had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She died at the age of 44 on August 7, 1972 in Santa Monica, California. Her last film was, ultimately, released the following year.
As for her film career? She deserved
better.
Here are some Joi Lansing pics
Joi Pic 1
Joi Pic 2
Joi Pic 3
Joi Pic 4
Joi Pic 5
Joi Pic 6
Click here to go to Diana Dors
A very big thanks to the following websites for the fine pics of Miss Lansing--The Pinups! Fun Cheesecake Featuring Favorite Bombshells of the Fifties and Sixties and to Hollywood Pinup, Beautiful Images from the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Thanks to Doug Stickney's site for pic number 6.
Thanks to Fred Farley for the correction on her films.
© 1999 Denny C. Jackson dejackso@iglou.com
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