Joanne Dru was born to a West Virginia druggist and began her career in New York City, where she worked as a model and was cast in Al Jolson's Broadway play "Hold Onto Your Hats" in 1940. Following the show's closure in 1941, she married popular singer Dick Haymes and relocated to Hollywood. Discovered by a talent scout, Joanne made her screen debut in "Abie's Irish Rose" (1946),but the film's lackluster reception nearly ended her career.
However, two years later, she redeemed herself with her role in the classic Howard Hawks western "Red River" (1948),alongside John Wayne. She continued to work in westerns, including John Ford's "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" (1949),and even starred in another Ford western, "Wagon Master" (1950),which later inspired the TV series "Wagon Train" (1957).
Despite appearing in non-western films like "All the King's Men" (1949),"The Pride of St. Louis" (1952),and "Hell on Frisco Bay" (1955),Joanne was primarily remembered for her work in westerns. By the late 1950s, the western genre was declining, and her screen career began to wane. She subsequently turned to television, appearing on shows such as "Playhouse 90" (1956).
In 1960, Joanne was cast in the comedy series "Guestward Ho!" (1960),playing the role of Babs, an Eastern owner of a dude ranch. The show ran until 1961.
