Joan Marjorie Drane was the second wife of Lee Van Cleef, one of the most iconic villains in Western movies. She married him in 1960, when he was struggling to find roles in Hollywood, and stayed with him until 1974, when they divorced. She was a supportive partner who helped him cope with his injuries, addiction, and depression. She also witnessed his rise to fame as a star of Italian Spaghetti Westerns, such as For a Few Dollars More and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
Early Life and Marriage
Joan Marjorie Drane was born on August 25, 1929, in Los Angeles, California. She met Lee Van Cleef in 1959, when he was working as a carpenter and auditioning for minor parts in movies and TV shows. They fell in love and got married on April 9, 1960. They had no children together, but Joan became a stepmother to Lee’s three children from his previous marriage to Patsy Ruth Kahle.
Supporting Lee’s Career
Joan was a loyal and devoted wife who stood by Lee’s side through thick and thin. She accompanied him to Italy, where he was offered a co-starring role in Sergio Leone’s For a Few Dollars More in 1965. The film was a huge success and launched Lee’s career as a leading man in European Westerns. He went on to star in several other classics of the genre, such as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, The Big Gundown, and Sabata.
Joan also helped Lee deal with his physical and mental health issues. In 1958, Lee was involved in a car accident that left him with a broken nose, a fractured skull, and a damaged eye. He also suffered from chronic pain, alcoholism, and depression. Joan encouraged him to seek treatment and supported his recovery. She also cheered him up with her sense of humor and optimism.
Divorce and Later Years
Unfortunately, Joan and Lee’s marriage did not last. They separated in 1973 and divorced in 1974. The reasons for their split are not clear, but some sources suggest that Lee’s fame and busy schedule put a strain on their relationship. Lee remarried in 1976 to Barbara Havelone, a model and actress. Joan remained single and lived a low-profile life. She died in 1991, at the age of 62.
Legacy
Joan Marjorie Drane may not be a household name, but she was an important person in Lee Van Cleef’s life. She was his companion, confidante, and cheerleader during his most difficult and successful years. She was also a kind and generous woman who cared for his children and friends. She deserves to be remembered as more than just the woman behind the bad guy. She was a woman with a heart of gold.