Joanna Barnes

Joanna Barnes, an accomplished actress and writer, began her television journey with a notable appearance in the "The Man Who Beat Lupo" episode of Ford Theatre. Throughout her career, she made memorable guest appearances on popular series such as ABC's 77 Sunset Strip and Maverick, CBS's Have Gun - Will Travel, and the crime drama Richard Diamond, Private Detective. In the 1960-61 season, she showcased her talent in The Untouchables, playing the role of a French exporter’s wife in the episode "90 Proof Dame."

Her versatility was further highlighted when she appeared in the 1958 episode "Ghost Town" of the Western series Colt .45, and as Lola in the NBC detective series 21 Beacon Street in 1959. The 1960s saw her collaborate with producer Martin Ransohoff, leading to significant roles in The Beverly Hillbillies, and portraying Peter Falk's ex-wife in The Trials of O'Brien. She also hosted the ABC daytime talk show Dateline: Hollywood in 1967.

Barnes is perhaps best remembered for her film roles, especially as the snobbish Gloria Upson in Auntie Mame, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year. She played Vicki Robinson in Disney's 1961 classic The Parent Trap and reprised a similar role in the 1998 remake. Beyond acting, Barnes was an accomplished author, writing several novels and a home decorating book, Starting from Scratch, while also contributing a book review column to the Los Angeles Times.