Joanna Barnes

Joanna Barnes
Name	Joanna Barnes
Birth date	15 November 1934
Birth place	Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Death date	29 April 2022
Death place	San Francisco, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actress, author
Years active	1956–2001
Spouse	Jack Lionel Warner (m. 1957; div. 1959), Lawrence Dobkin (m. 1962; div. 1964), John H. G. Pell (m. 1972; died 2004)
Alma mater	Smith College

Joanna Barnes was an American actress and author, known for her portrayals of sophisticated, often antagonistic characters in film and television. Her career spanned five decades, beginning in the mid-1950s with roles in major studio productions like 20th Century Fox's The Parent Trap and MGM's Spartacus. Barnes later transitioned into writing, publishing several novels and serving as a contributing editor for *Town & Country* magazine, establishing a distinct legacy in both the entertainment and literary worlds.

Early life and education

Joanna Barnes was born on November 15, 1934, in Boston, Massachusetts, into a prominent family. She was the daughter of John P. Barnes, a vice president at the First National Bank of Boston, and his wife, Alice (Wentworth) Barnes. She attended the prestigious Milton Academy before pursuing higher education at Smith College, a noted liberal arts institution in Northampton, Massachusetts. At Smith, she studied literature and drama, graduating in 1956, which prepared her for a career in the performing arts.

Career

Barnes began her professional acting career shortly after college, securing a contract with 20th Century Fox. Her early film roles often cast her as a glamorous rival or socialite, a type she perfected in the 1961 Disney classic The Parent Trap. She appeared in notable films such as Kirk Douglas's epic Spartacus and the comedy The War Between Men and Women. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, she became a familiar face on television, guest-starring on numerous series including Ben Casey, The Fugitive, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Murder, She Wrote. In the 1980s, she reprised her role from The Parent Trap in the television film sequels. Concurrently, she launched a successful writing career, authoring novels and contributing to *Town & Country*.

Personal life

Barnes was married three times: first to film executive Jack Lionel Warner, grandson of Warner Bros. co-founder Harry Warner; then to actor and director Lawrence Dobkin; and finally to financier and preservationist John H. G. Pell, with whom she remained until his death. She divided her time between residences in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. An avid supporter of the arts and historical preservation, she was involved with institutions like the San Francisco Symphony and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Barnes died from respiratory failure on April 29, 2022, in San Francisco.

Filmography

Barnes's film career includes roles in a variety of genres. Her notable film credits are The Parent Trap (1961), Spartacus (1960), The War Between Men and Women (1972), and Goodbye, Columbus (1969). She also appeared in television movies such as The Parent Trap II (1986) and The Parent Trap III (1989). Her extensive television guest appearances spanned series like 77 Sunset Strip, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Love, American Style, and Fantasy Island.

Stage work

While primarily known for screen work, Barnes also performed on stage. Her theatrical engagements included productions in major venues like the Pasadena Playhouse and other regional theaters. She appeared in plays such as The Philadelphia Story and various contemporary works during the 1960s, showcasing her versatility beyond her typed film persona.

Bibliography

As an author, Barnes published several novels that often explored themes of high society and romance. Her published works include The Deceivers (1970), Pastora (1980), and Silverwood (1985). She was a longtime contributing editor for *Town & Country* magazine, for which she wrote numerous articles and essays on culture, travel, and interior design.

Legacy

Joanna Barnes is remembered for her sharp portrayals of memorable supporting characters in classic American films and her prolific television presence. Her dual career as a published author and magazine editor demonstrated her intellectual breadth and literary talent. Her performance in The Parent Trap remains iconic, influencing later portrayals in the 1998 film remake. Her contributions to both the Academy and the literary community cement her status as a multifaceted figure in mid-century American culture.

Category:American film actresses Category:American television actresses Category:American novelists Category:Smith College alumni Category:Actresses from Boston Category:1934 births Category:2022 deaths