Joan Davis was a talented actress who carved out a successful Hollywood career that spanned several decades. Early on, Joan Davis showcased her comedic flair by forming the vaudeville duo “Wills and Davis” in 1931 alongside her husband, Sy Wills—a partnership that helped set the stage for her future in entertainment. As her reputation grew, so did her presence on screen, and Joan Davis began making appearances in a string of notable films during the late 1930s.
In 1937 alone, Joan Davis could be seen in multiple releases, including Sing and Be Happy opposite Tony Martin, as well as Angel’s Holiday and the Walter Winchell comedy sequel Love and Hisses. That same year, she lent her charm to Thin Ice, a musical adaptation starring Sonja Henie, and appeared in the lively Wake Up and Live, another collaboration with Winchell. She also had a role in the popular musical revue On the Avenue. Clearly, 1937 was a standout year for Joan Davis, solidifying her status as a versatile performer.
Her passion for acting only deepened in the years that followed. Joan Davis continued to take on diverse roles, such as in the Sonja Henie musical My Lucky Star (1938), the ensemble comedy Sally, Irene and Mary (1938), and the aviation drama Tail Spin (1939) starring Alice Faye. She also appeared in Day-Time Wife (1939), further demonstrating her range across genres.
As time went on, Joan Davis remained active in the industry. In the mid-1940s, she took on roles in George White’s Scandals (1945), She Wrote the Book (1946), and If You Knew Susie (1948). Her comedic timing shone through in later films like Love That Brute (1950) with Paul Douglas and The Groom Wore Spurs (1951), a Ginger Rogers-led comedy.
A major milestone came in 1950 when Joan Davis founded her own production company to bring the television series I Married Joan to life—a project that highlighted both her entrepreneurial spirit and her enduring appeal as a leading lady. The show became one of her most recognized contributions to American television.
Though much of her work was rooted in the golden age of Hollywood, Joan Davis’s legacy lived on. In fact, she was even credited posthumously in the 1992 documentary Wisecracks, which featured archival footage and celebrated female comedians, including Phyllis Diller.
On a personal note, Joan Davis was married to Sy Wills, with whom she shared one child. Her journey in life and in show business came to an end in May 1961, when Joan Davis passed away at the age of 54. Even decades later, Joan Davis is remembered as a pioneering figure whose energy, humor, and determination left a lasting mark on film and television history.
Well, when it comes to Joan Davis, there’s definitely an interesting twist in the ratings. Her highest rated movie, believe it or not, is Hold That Ghost (1941), which seems to have made quite an impression on audiences and critics alike. And oddly enough—here’s where it gets a bit confusing—Joan Davis’s lowest rated film also happens to be Hold That Ghost (1941). Yeah, you heard that right. Despite Joan Davis bringing her signature energy and comedic flair to the performance, the reception appears to be split. Some viewers really loved what Joan Davis brought to the screen, while others weren’t quite as impressed. So whether you’re a fan of Joan Davis or just exploring classic films from that era, Hold That Ghost certainly stands out in Joan Davis’s filmography—for better or worse. It’s one of those cases where Joan Davis shines brightly for some, yet doesn’t quite land with others. Either way, it remains a notable entry when discussing Joan Davis’s career highlights and lowlights.