Joan Valerie

Joan Valerie

Deceased · Born: May 12, 1912 · Died: Jan 30, 1983

Personal Details

BornMay 12, 1912 Chicago, Illinois, USA
Spouse
  • Paris G Mestusis

    ( Mar 9, 1944 to Dec 14, 2025 )
  • Grant Richards

    ( Dec 31, 1969 to Sep 9, 1942 )

Biography

Joan Valeriesoon, born Helen Vlahakis in Illinois in 1912, embarked on a journey that would take her to the spotlight of Hollywood. With a passion for drama, she enrolled in the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse, where her talent was soon discovered by the renowned Darryl F. Zanuck.

Although initially given limited roles in B-movies, Valeriesoon's captivating presence on screen shone through in several notable films. Her memorable performances include her charming portrayal of the blonde in John Ford's "Submarine Patrol" (1938),alongside her appearances in "Charles Chan at the Wax Museum" (1940) and "Rio Rita" (1942).

As the 1940s drew to a close, Valeriesoon's contributions to the film industry began to wane, and she eventually retired from acting. In 1940, she married Greek producer Paris Methusis, marking the beginning of a happy life together.

However, fate had other plans. In her late sixties, Valeriesoon's life came to a tragic end in the aftermath of a devastating car accident. Despite her untimely passing, her legacy as a talented actress continues to be celebrated by film enthusiasts around the world.

Career

1951
Roaring City
Roaring City as Irma Rand
Westward the Women
Westward the Women as Flashy Woman (uncredited)
1950
A Life of Her Own
A Life of Her Own as Party Guest (uncredited)
1948
Three Daring Daughters
Three Daring Daughters as Hostess (uncredited)
1947
The Hucksters
The Hucksters as Receptionist (uncredited)
1943
Around the World
Around the World as Countess Olga
Government Girl
Government Girl as Miss Jane MacVickers (uncredited)
1942
Just Off Broadway
Just Off Broadway as Rita Darling
Who Is Hope Schuyler?
Who Is Hope Schuyler? as Phyllis Guerney
Rio Rita
Rio Rita as Dotty
1940
Pier 13
Pier 13 as Helen Kelly
The Great Profile
The Great Profile as Understudy
Young as You Feel
Young as You Feel as Bonnie Jones
Murder Over New York
Murder Over New York as June Preston
Girl in 313
Girl in 313 as Francine Edwards
Lillian Russell
Lillian Russell as Lillian Russell's Sister
Jennie
Jennie as Clara Schermer
1939
Tail Spin
Tail Spin as Sunny
Day-Time Wife
Day-Time Wife as Mrs. Dexter
1938
The Old Barn Dance
The Old Barn Dance as Sally Dawson
Topa Topa
Topa Topa as Margaret Weston
Sergeant Murphy
Sergeant Murphy as Bess Merrill
A Trip to Paris
A Trip to Paris as Marguerite Varloff
Kentucky
Kentucky as Lucy Pemberton
1937
Missing Witnesses
Missing Witnesses as Simpering Girl (uncredited)
The Cherokee Strip
The Cherokee Strip as Ruth Valley
It's Love I'm After
It's Love I'm After as Autograph Seeker (uncredited)
The Go Getter
The Go Getter as Skinner's Secretary
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island as Secretary (uncredited)
Confession
Confession as Wanda
The Prince and the Pauper
The Prince and the Pauper as Lady Jane Seymour