Who was Peter Marshall’s Sister, Joanne Dru?

Joanne Dru, born Joan LaCock, was the older sister of famed game show host Peter Marshall. While her brother became known for his television career, Joanne made a name for herself on the big screen.

Dru was a prominent actress in classic Western films, sharing the screen with legends like John Wayne and Howard Hawks.

She earned acclaim for her roles in films such as “Red River,” “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon,” and “All the King’s Men.” Her beauty and acting skills made her a favorite in Hollywood.

In the 1949 film “All the King’s Men,” which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Dru gave a memorable performance.

She also starred in the 1950 crime noir “711 Ocean Drive,” playing a college graduate who becomes involved with a gangster. Her role in “The Pride of St. Louis” (1952) showcased her versatility, portraying the wife of baseball pitcher Dizzy Dean.

She appeared in “Thunder Bay” (1953) and “3 Ring Circus” (1954), but by the late 1950s, her film career slowed. However, she remained active on television, notably in the sitcom “Guestward, Ho!” from 1960 to 1961.

Joanne Dru’s personal life was marked by turbulence. She married singer and actor Dick Haymes, with whom she had three children, but their marriage ended in divorce.

She later married actor John Ireland. Despite her personal struggles, Dru is remembered as a talented actress who left a lasting impact on Hollywood. She passed away on September 10, 1996, at the age of 74.