Biography

Born in Illinois in 1912, Helen Vlahakis, later known as Joan Valerie soon settles down in Hollywood, where she studied drama at the famous Pasadena Playhouse. Darryl F. Zanuck discovered her there but gave her parts only in B movies, although in pleasant ones. By way of example, she was the charming blonde in office in John Ford's "Submarine Patrol" (1938), "Charles Chan at the Wax Museum" (also 1940), "Rio Rita" (1942). By the end of the nineteen forties her contributions had become thinner and, after marrying with Greek producer Paris Methusis, she finally gave up acting. Her happy life as Mrs. Methusis came to a tragic end when, in her late sixties, she died in the aftermath of a car accident.
- IMDb mini biography by: Guy Bellinger

The Vlahakis family owned a restaurant in Rhinelander Wisconsin. It was open for a few years before Joan was born and stayed in the family until about 10 years ago. The Rhinelander Cafe and Pub is still operating but a few years after her brother Peter passed away his sons sold it.