Joanna Barnes Dies At 87: Pal Says ‘Parent Trap’ Star Had ‘Multiple Health Problems’

Joanna Barnes has passed away after battling several health issues. The longtime film and TV actress was 87.

Barnes’ friend, Sally Jackson, confirmed with The Hollywood Reporter that she died on Friday at her The Sea Ranch, California home. She dealt with “multiple health problems,” according to Jackson.

No memorial plans have been announced so far.

Barnes is survived by her two sisters, Lally Barnes Freeman and Judith Barnes Wood. She is also survived by her pet dog, Gracie Warner.

Born on Nov. 15, 1934, the late actress grew up in Hingham, Massachusetts. She attended Milton Academy before majoring in English at Smith College. After graduating in 1956, she received an offer to join the Time-Life publishing company.

Barnes tested for an acting role on ABC’s “Ford Television Theatre” and got the part in 1957. In 1958, she drew attention for her role as Gloria Upson in the film “Auntie Mame.” She got nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance in that movie, as per the New York Post.

The actress-writer had a prolific small-screen career. Her television credits include “21 Beacon Street,” “Dateline Hollywood,” “The Trials of O’Brien,” “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Murder, She Wrote” and “Cheers.” She was also a regular on the quiz show “What’s My Line?”

At the same time, her big-screen career thrived as she bagged roles for several movie projects, including “Violent Road,” “Onionhead,” “The Purple Hills,” “Too Many Thieves” and “I Wonder Who’s Killing Her Now?”

Barnes also appeared in “Home Before Dark,” “The War Wagon” and “Spartacus.” In 1961, she played the gold-digger Vicky Robinson in the original “The Parent Trap.” She came back to play a different role in the 1998 production of the film that starred Lindsay Lohan.

The late star was married three times: Richard Herndon, actor Lawrence Dobkin and architect Jack Lionel Warner. Her marriage to Warner prompted her to move from Montecito to The Sea Ranch in 2005.

Her first two marriages ended in divorce. Meanwhile, she stayed with Warner from the moment they tied the knot in 1980 until his passing in 2012. Barnes is also survived by the late architect’s three kids, John, Laura, and Louise, Deadline reported.