Joanne Lara, a talented and multifaceted individual, was born on June 3, 1952, in Monticello, Georgia, and spent her formative years in Tampa, Florida, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance from the University of South Florida.
Following her graduation, Joanne embarked on a professional dance career, joining the esteemed Fairmount Dance Theatre in Cleveland, Ohio, where she not only danced as a company member but also served as the Head of the Dance Department at Cayahoga Community College.
Her dancing skills also took her to New York, where she was a part of the Louis Falco Dance Company and began honing her acting abilities under the guidance of renowned instructors Sandeed Shurin from the Actors Studio and Mervyn Nelson.
In 1985, Joanne made the move to Los Angeles, where she pursued her acting dreams at the prestigious Stella Adler Conservatory. Throughout her career, she has appeared in numerous film, television, and stage productions, showcasing her versatility and talent.
In addition to her acting pursuits, Joanne was also involved in film production, serving as an associate producer and Assistant to the Director on projects such as "To Kill For", "Motorama", and "Wigstock: The Movie".
As a creative force, Joanne was a prolific writer, having penned six feature scripts and a novel. Her love for animals was evident, as she shared her life with her beloved cocker spaniel, Joey, cat Tabasco, and three birds.
Tragically, Joanne Lara passed away on June 9, 2020, at the age of 68, due to ovarian cancer, leaving behind a legacy of artistic expression and a life filled with passion, creativity, and love.
