Joan

"*Now, you know, I remember when all eyes were on Vivian Banks taking the art world by storm, and Philip Banks was the lucky guy on your arm.*"
—Joan to Vivian[src]
**Joan** is a recurring character on Peacock's modern-day reinterpretation, *Bel-Air*. She is portrayed by Wendy Davis.

Joan is Vivian's old friend and Delta Phi Gamma sorority sister from Howard.

## Biography

### Fundraiser in Bel-Air

Joan attends the annual lupus fundraiser, where she reunites with Vivian and all her sorority sisters. They refer to Vivian as the multi-task queen and ask about her secret to maintaining it all. Joan recalls when all eyes were on Vivian, who was taking the art world by storm, and Phillip was merely the lucky guy on her arm, but that all changed when she got pregnant with Hilary, who is confronted by Kendra for accusing Haute Cuisine of being sexist and racist, but Hilary doesn't apologize, and Joan and some of the other ladies support her actions, noting that there is something beautiful about Hilary and her generation's refusal to swallow subtle racism.

By the end of the fundraiser, only Joan remains, and she has taken notice of Vivian's painting hanging on the wall near the front door, the same painting that when she initially finished it years ago, she wouldn't allow Joan to sell. Joan insists that the world needs to see her talent again and asks what's stopping her. Phillip then returns from the crawfish boil and embraces Joan, who restates her stance that Vivian should return to the art world, before flirting with Geoffrey and leaving.

Joan has to come and see for herself after learning that Viv intends to begin painting again. They begin digging through her old art supplies and paintings. It was never her decision to stop painting, but she got swept away with being a mother and wife. Joan is pleased to hear this and looks through Vivian's old artwork. Joan assures Vivian that she's every bit as talented as the greats, and as luck would have it, Reid Broderick is back in Los Angeles, and he is setting up an annex for his gallery. He's making a name for himself by rediscovering artists, and Joan asks if Vivian would like for her to set up a meeting with him.

Joan attends Gayle's fundraiser at Vivian's house, though she is also eyeing for Geoffrey, but Vivian tells her that he's not around, to which Joan remarks that it's fortunate that she brought Reid with her then. She and Vivian begin talking to Carlton and Lisa about college. Lisa is hoping to swim for Howard, where Viv and Joan also attended. If she ever needs a recommendation, Joan offers to write one, as she and Viv were both Delta Phi Gamma. After the kids depart, Joan learns that Angela is an interior designer and that Fred has been very supportive in her returning to work whenever she's ready. Angela doesn't believe women should have to set their passions aside to start a family. Joan agrees, recalling how Viv set her career aside for her family. She then goes to chat with Hilary about her position in the influencer house.

Joan celebrates with Viv after learning she was offered the executive director position at Neeman, though Viv hasn't actually accepted the position. She is reluctant to accept. While Janice isn't a friend, Viv can't help but feel she's stabbing her in the back. While Joan respects what she's done for the art world, Janice should've retired a long time ago. Joan then reveals the real reason she came over, to discuss Erika Baker, who Joan claims still owes her $20 in gas money. Viv remarks they're not in college anymore, but Joan refuses to believe that Viv has forgiven her for all she's done. Still, Viv takes the high road, given that she and Phil now have a professional relationship. However, all Joan sees is Viv putting herself second to everyone else's.

## Appearances

* Canvass
* The Strength to Smile

## References

1. ↑ Season 1, Episode 3: ***Yamacraw***
2. ↑ Season 1, Episode 4: ***Canvass***
3. ↑ Season 1, Episode 6: ***The Strength to Smile***
4. ↑ Season 2, Episode 8: ***Pursuit of Happiness***