Joi Lansing facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joi Lansing
Lansing with Ralph Taeger in Klondike (1960)
Born	Joy Rae Brown (1929-04-06)April 6, 1929 Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
Died	August 7, 1972(1972-08-07) (aged 43) Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Resting place	Santa Paula Cemetery
Other names	Joyce Wassmansdorff Joy Loveland Joyce Loveland
Occupation	Model actress singer
Years active	1942–1970
Spouse(s)	Jerome "Jerry" Safron ​ ​ (m. 1950, annulled)​ Lance Fuller ​ ​ (m. 1951; div. 1953)​ Stan Todd ​ ​ (m. 1960)​

Joi Lansing (born Joy Rae Brown; April 6, 1929 – August 7, 1972) was an American model, actress, and singer. She was known for her roles in movies and TV shows. Joi Lansing also performed as a nightclub singer.

Early Life and Beginnings

Joi Lansing was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1929. Her birth name was Joy Rae Brown. Her father was a shoe salesman and musician, and her mother was a homemaker.

Later, she used the last names of her stepfathers, Wassmansdorff and Loveland. In 1940, her family moved to Los Angeles, California.

Starting Her Career

Joi Lansing began modeling when she was 14 years old. A movie producer named Arthur Freed discovered her. She then signed a contract with MGM, a major film studio.

Joi finished high school while working at the studio. Later, a writer for The Bob Cummings Show saw her. This led to her getting a part on the TV show.

Acting Career Highlights

Joi Lansing had a busy career in both films and television. She often played fun and memorable characters.

Film Roles

Joi Lansing's film career started in 1948. She had a small, uncredited role in the famous musical Singin' in the Rain (1952). She also starred in Hot Cars (1956).

One of her most famous film appearances was in Orson Welles' movie Touch of Evil (1958). She appeared in the well-known opening scene. Joi also had a role in the science fiction film The Atomic Submarine (1959).

During the 1960s, Joi Lansing made short musical films. These were for a video-jukebox system called Scopitone. She sang songs like "The Web of Love."

She played "Lola" in the comedy Marriage on the Rocks (1965). In this movie, she acted alongside stars like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Her last film was Bigfoot (1970).

Television Appearances

Lansing with Ralph Taeger and Mari Blanchard in Klondike (1960)

Joi Lansing appeared in many popular television shows. She had a regular role as Shirley Swanson on The Bob Cummings Show from 1956 to 1959. She played a model who worked with the main character, a photographer.

She also appeared as herself in an episode of I Love Lucy in 1956. In 1958, she played a character who married Superman in an episode of Adventures of Superman.

Joi Lansing also had a recurring role on The Beverly Hillbillies. She played Gladys Flatt, the wife of musician Lester Flatt. Her other TV appearances included Perry Mason, Maverick, and The Untouchables.

Joi Lansing has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This star honors her important contributions to television.

Music Career

Joi Lansing started singing in nightclubs in the early 1960s. She performed with famous orchestras, including Xavier Cugat's. She also toured briefly with musician Les Paul.

In 1957, she recorded a single record with two songs: "Love Me" and "What's It Gonna Be." She recorded more songs in 1962, including "Masquerade is Over" and "All of You." It was reported in 1965 that she was working on an album for RCA records, but it is not known if it was released.

Personal Life

In August 1960, Joi Lansing married Stanley Laurence Todd. He had been her business manager.

Joi Lansing passed away on August 7, 1972, at the age of 43. She had been battling breast cancer.

Filmography

Features

Television

Short subjects