Joan O'Brien embarked on her illustrious show-business career while still in high school, landing a role on a local television music show in California alongside the renowned Tennessee Ernie Ford. Her initial success as a singer soon paved the way for a transition into acting, with a significant portion of her filmography featuring her in the role of a dedicated nurse.
One of her most iconic appearances was in Blake Edwards' 1959 comedy classic, Operation Petticoat, where she played a nurse whose, ahem, "generous proportions" caused quite the commotion on a small submarine, ultimately leading to Cary Grant's historic achievement of sinking an enemy truck as the first officer in the U.S. Navy.
Joan reprised her role as a nurse in the Jerry Lewis film, It's Only Money (1962),and once more in It Happened at the World's Fair (1963),alongside the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley, with whom she allegedly sparked a romantic connection off-screen. Interestingly, she was voted "most likely to wed" Robert Vaughn in 1963, a peculiar connection to the popular television series Columbo.
Joan's final film was the 1964 teen musical, Get Yourself a College Girl, which featured Nancy Sinatra, The Animals, and The Dave Clark Five, all set against the backdrop of the "Swinging Sixties." After leaving the spotlight, she returned to her roots as a singer, touring with the esteemed Harry James Orchestra.
Ultimately, Joan decided to dedicate herself to raising her children, and later became a successful executive with the prestigious Hilton Hotel chain, marking a remarkable transformation from show business sensation to accomplished business leader.
