Joan Kenlay was not a Hollywood star, but her name is tied forever with the career of her first husband, Robert Conrad, who became famous through shows like The Wild Wild West and Hawaiian Eye. Her story is about family, love, and life away from the spotlight. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, in April 1935, and her early life was simple compared to the Hollywood lifestyle she later experienced. She met Robert Conrad young, and their relationship shaped much of her life journey.
Quick Bio Table of Marjorie Joan Kenlay
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marjorie Joan Kenlay |
| Known As | Joan Kenlay |
| Birth Date | April 16/17, 1935 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Parents | Floyd Marion Kenlay, Marjorie O’Brien |
| Marriage | Married Robert Conrad in 1952 |
| Divorce | Divorced Robert Conrad in 1977 |
| Children | Joan, Nancy, Christian, Shane, Christy |
| Profession | Homemaker, Private Life |
| Connection to Fame | First wife of Robert Conrad |
| Death Date | January 6, 1998 |
| Death Place | Brentwood, California |
| Age at Death | 62 years |
Early Life of Joan Kenlay
Joan Kenlay grew up in Chicago as Marjorie Joan Kenlay, the daughter of Floyd Marion Kenlay and Marjorie O’Brien. She lived in a family rooted in Midwestern values, far from the world of acting. At a young age, she learned the importance of family and keeping a private life. This trait later showed when she became the wife of a rising Hollywood actor.
Marriage to Robert Conrad
In 1952, Joan Kenlay married Robert Conrad when he was just starting to build his career. Their marriage lasted 25 years, ending in 1977. During these years, Conrad was rising as a TV star, and Joan took on the role of a supportive wife. Unlike many Hollywood couples, they tried to keep their family life away from the press. Joan focused on her children and home, while Robert spent long hours on sets.
Family and Children
The marriage of Joan Kenlay and Robert Conrad brought five children: Joan Conrad, Nancy Conrad, Christian Conrad, Shane Conrad, and Christy Conrad. Many of them followed their father into television and film. Nancy appeared in Sudden Death and worked as an actress, while Shane became an actor in JAG and other shows. Christian Conrad also built a career in acting. Their eldest daughter, Joan Conrad, became a TV producer.
Life as the First Wife
Being the first wife of Robert Conrad, Joan Kenlay lived a life connected to Hollywood but kept her own identity away from the cameras. She did not seek fame, which made her different from many celebrity partners. While Robert appeared on screens across America, Joan created a stable home for their children. Her dedication helped keep the family strong during the busy years of Conrad’s career.
Relationship with LaVelda Fann
After the divorce, Robert Conrad later married LaVelda Fann in 1983. This second marriage produced three more children. Although it was a different family, the two sides—Joan’s children and LaVelda’s—are often mentioned together. For fans, it shows how Joan Kenlay and her family formed the foundation of Robert’s legacy.
Photos and Media Mentions
When searching for Joan Kenlay photos or pictures, there are very few available. Most images are seen only in private archives or licensed collections. Unlike celebrities of her era, Joan rarely appeared in magazines or public events. This adds to the mystery around her, making her life more interesting to fans who want to know about the woman behind the actor.
Robert Conrad’s Accident
In 2003, Robert Conrad was in a serious DUI accident that caused injuries and changed his life. Many people wrongly connect this event to Joan Kenlay, but she had already passed away by then. The accident left Robert partially paralyzed, and it later became a sad chapter in his life story. Still, it shows the different paths their lives took after their divorce.
Death of Joan Kenlay
Joan Kenlay died on January 6, 1998, in Brentwood, California, at the age of 62. Her death happened quietly, far from the spotlight. She left behind her five children and several grandchildren. For her family, she is remembered as a loving mother and the first woman to share Robert Conrad’s life journey.
Legacy and Memory
Though not a public figure, Joan Kenlay remains important in Hollywood history because of her connection to Robert Conrad and their children. Her legacy is seen in the success of her family, many of whom stayed active in film and television. Fans of Conrad often remember Joan with respect, knowing she stood beside him during the most important years of his career.
Clearing Name Confusion
It is important not to confuse Joan Kenlay with Joan Kenley, who was a different person a psychologist and voice artist who died in 2020. The spelling of the names is different, and they lived very separate lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who was Joan Kenlay?
Joan Kenlay was the first wife of actor Robert Conrad, married from 1952 to 1977, and the mother of his five children.
Q2. How many children did Joan Kenlay have?
She had five children with Robert Conrad: Joan, Nancy, Christian, Shane, and Christy.
Q3. When did Joan Kenlay die?
She died on January 6, 1998, in Brentwood, California, at the age of 62.
Q4. Was Joan Kenlay connected to Robert Conrad’s accident?
No, the 2003 DUI accident involved only Robert Conrad, years after Joan’s death.
Q5. Is Joan Kenlay the same as Joan Kenley?
No, Joan Kenlay and Joan Kenley are different people. Kenlay was Robert Conrad’s wife; Kenley was a psychologist and author.
Conclusion
The story of Joan Kenlay is one of quiet strength. She was the first wife of Robert Conrad, mother of his five children, and a woman who valued family more than fame. Her marriage shaped Robert’s early years in Hollywood, and her children carried on the family name in entertainment. While she lived privately, her legacy remains connected to a beloved actor and the history of American television.
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