Joan Shawlee, a charismatic and dynamic individual, began her career as a Powers model at the tender age of 14. As a 16-year-old, she captivated audiences with her singing talents in New York nightspots, earning the title of one of "the six most beautiful girls in Manhattan". Her striking looks did not go unnoticed, and Hollywood soon took notice, signing her to a contract with 20th Century Fox.
However, Joan's meteoric rise was temporarily halted when it was discovered that she was under-age. Returning to New York, she lived with her mother until fate intervened in 1945. While performing at the famous Copacabana, comedian Lou Costello spotted her and offered her a contract with Universal, on the condition that her mother could join her in Hollywood.
Joan's new contract led to a string of film appearances under the pseudonym "Joan Fulton", culminating in a leading role in Buck Privates Come Home (1947). Her personal life took a turn when she married businessman Walter Shawlee, adopting his surname and specializing in playing wisecracking, streetwise "dames" in films and television shows.
Throughout her career, Joan played memorable roles, often guest-starring with her mentors in The Abbott and Costello Show (1952) or starring in comedies directed by Billy Wilder. Some of her most notable roles include "Sweet Sue" in Some Like It Hot (1959),Sylvia in The Apartment (1960),Amazon Annie in Irma la Douce (1963),and wicked Momma Monahan in The Wild Angels (1966).
In addition to her film work, Joan starred in her own short-lived British comedy series, Aggie (1956),playing a fashion model prone to accidents on international assignments. She also made frequent guest appearances on 1960s and 1970s TV shows, including recurring roles as Pickles in The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961) and Margo in The Feather and Father Gang (1976).
Joan Shawlee passed away in March 1987 in Hollywood, at the age of 61, after a battle with cancer.
