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Joan Marie Severance was born on December 23, 1958, in Houston, Texas. Her father, John C. Severance, was an IBM systems manager, which meant the family moved frequently. By the age of 11, Joan had lived in 12 different places, including a stint in Libya. The family returned to the U.S. during the Six-Day War in 1967, settling back in Houston.
Joan attended Westbury High School, where she began modeling at 15 to save money for college. Initially aspiring to become a veterinarian, financial constraints led her to pursue modeling full-time. After participating in the “Miss Houston” beauty contest, she was discovered by photographer Alan Martin, who introduced her to John Casablancas of Elite Model Management. Casablancas signed her, and she was soon on her way to Paris to kickstart her modeling career.
Biography
- Full Name: Joan Marie Severance
- Nickname: Joan
- Age: 66 years old (as of 2025)
- Date of Birth: December 23, 1958
- Birthplace: Houston, Texas, USA
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Caucasian
- Profession: Actress, Model, Designer, Entrepreneur
- Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
- Sexuality: Straight
- Religion: Christianity
Career
In Paris, Joan quickly rose to prominence, gracing the pages of international magazines such as Vogue Paris and Sportswear International. She worked with top designers like Chanel, Versace, and Armani. Upon returning to the U.S., she became one of America’s top models, appearing in over 40 commercials and earning up to $7,500 per day. Her striking features and captivating presence made her a favorite among photographers and designers alike.
Joan also appeared on the covers of Playboy magazine in January 1990 and November 1992, showcasing her versatility and confidence as a model.
Encouraged by her friend Robin Leach, Joan began auditioning for acting roles in the mid-1980s. She made her film debut with a small role in “Lethal Weapon” (1987). Her breakout role came as Susan Profitt in the TV series “Wiseguy” (1987–1988), where she played a villainous character alongside Kevin Spacey. This role garnered critical acclaim and showcased her acting prowess.
Joan’s filmography includes notable roles in:
- “See No Evil, Hear No Evil” (1989) alongside Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder
- “No Holds Barred” (1989) with Hulk Hogan
- “Bird on a Wire” (1990) with Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn
- “Lake Consequence” (1993)
- “Black Scorpion” (1995) and its sequel “Black Scorpion II: Aftershock” (1997)
She also made guest appearances on popular TV shows like “One Tree Hill,” “CSI: Miami,” and “American Horror Story: Asylum.”
Personal Life and Interests
Joan was married to fellow model Eric Milan from 1977 to 1984. She later married Rom Gemar. Beyond her modeling and acting careers, Joan has a passion for interior, landscape, and fashion design. She enjoys cooking, reading, writing, and has a deep love for horses.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Health and has studied gourmet cooking under Roger Vergé at The Moulin de Mougins in the South of France. Joan has owned a restaurant in upstate New York and a catering company in New York City. She has also taught commercial acting classes and created a communication game called txTylz®, which she is developing into a mobile app.
Joan Severance’s Most Notable Movies
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Lethal Weapon | Girl in Shower |
| 1989 | See No Evil, Hear No Evil | Eve |
| 1989 | No Holds Barred | Samantha Moore |
| 1990 | Bird on a Wire | Rachel Varney |
| 1990 | Hard Evidence | Joanne Wyman |
| 1993 | Lake Consequence | Irene |
| 1995 | Black Scorpion | Darcy Walker / Black Scorpion |
| 1997 | Black Scorpion II: Aftershock | Darcy Walker / Black Scorpion |
| 2000 | Hellborn (aka Asylum of the Damned) | Dr. McCort |
| 2007 | American Horror House | Miss Margret |
| 2016 | Wicked City | Janice |
Physical Attributes
- Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
- Weight: 121 lbs (55 kg)
- Body Measurements: 34-23-35 in (86-58.5-89 cm)
- Hair Color: Dark Brown
- Eye Color: Blue
Net Worth
| Category | Details |
|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $6 Million (as of recent estimates) |
| Primary Income Sources | Modeling and Acting |
| Secondary Ventures | Culinary Business (Restaurant & Catering) |
| Fashion & Interior Design |
| Creator of txTylz® Communication Game |
| Years Active | 1977 – Present |
Photos Of Joan Severance
Final Thoughts
Joan Severance’s journey from a young model in Houston to an international fashion icon and accomplished actress is a testament to her talent, determination, and versatility. Her contributions to the entertainment and fashion industries continue to inspire many aspiring models and actors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Joan Severance’s most notable acting role?
- Joan is best known for her role as Susan Profitt in the TV series “Wiseguy.”
- Has Joan Severance worked in the culinary industry?
- Yes, she has a gourmet cooking degree and has owned a restaurant and a catering company.
- What is txTylz®?
- txTylz® is a communication game created by Joan, which she is developing into a mobile app.
- Did Joan Severance appear in Playboy magazine?
- Yes, she appeared on the covers of Playboy in January 1990 and November 1992.
- What languages does Joan Severance speak?
- She speaks fluent French and conversational Spanish.
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