Joan Kenlay was more than just the first wife of actor Robert Conrad—she was the quiet force behind his early struggles, the mother of his five children, and a figure whose story continues to interest fans decades after her passing. Although she lived a largely private life, people still search for who Joan Kenlay was, how she met Robert Conrad, and what happened to her after their long marriage ended.
Her life, stretching from April 16, 1935 to January 6, 1998, covered many personal milestones, family moments, and defining years in Hollywood history. This biography brings all verified information together—cutting through online confusion, similar name variations, and incomplete sources—to give you the most accurate and complete story of Joan Kenlay.
Joan Kenlay Bio
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Joan Kenlay |
| Birth Name | Marjorie Joan Kenlay (commonly referenced) |
| Date of Birth | April 16, 1935 |
| Place of Birth | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian (not publicly detailed) |
| Education | Believed to have attended Convent of the Sacred Heart |
| Famous For | Being the first wife of actor Robert Conrad |
| Spouse | Robert Conrad (m. February 27, 1952 – div. 1977) |
| Marriage Location | Louisville, Kentucky |
| Children | 5 – Nancy, Joan, Christy, Christian, Shane |
| Occupation | Homemaker; Private individual (not in entertainment) |
| Residence (After Divorce) | Brentwood, California |
| Years Active (Public Life) | 1950s–1970s (during Robert Conrad’s career rise) |
| Date of Death | January 6, 1998 |
| Age at Death | 62 years old |
| Cause of Death | Not publicly disclosed |
| Burial / Memorial | Private family service |
| Known For Traits | Supportive wife, devoted mother, private lifestyle |
| Legacy | Foundation of the Conrad family; mother of five successful children |
Who Was Joan Kenlay?
Many people know her best as “Robert Conrad’s first wife”, but Joan Kenlay was much more than that label. She was a devoted mother, a supportive partner during Robert’s struggling years, and a consistent presence in the lives of all five of their children.
Why People Still Search for Her Today
People are often curious about:
- Her background
- Her marriage to Robert Conrad
- Their early love story
- The reason behind their divorce
- Her life after the separation
- Her death in 1998 at age 62
There is also growing confusion due to alternate spellings such as:
- Joan Kenley
- Joann Kenlay
- Marjorie Joan Kenlay
- Joan Kenlay-Conrad
This article clarifies all these points with a factual, well-organized account of her life.
Early Life of Joan Kenlay
Birth & Childhood
Joan was born on April 16, 1935, in the United States. She grew up in a traditional household with strong family ties, something that later shaped her marriage and parenting style. While not much has been publicly recorded about her parents, siblings, or extended family, she is often described as grounded, warm, and devoted to family values.
Education
Joan is frequently associated with strong educational environments such as:
- Convent of the Sacred Heart – a school known for discipline and faith-driven learning.
Though details aren’t fully documented, it is believed that Joan received a stable, structured education that influenced the way she later raised her children.
Life Before Meeting Robert Conrad
In the early 1950s, Joan was living a fairly ordinary life, unaware that she was soon to meet a man who would become one of America’s most iconic TV personalities. Her upbringing and personality made her the perfect partner for someone beginning the uncertain journey into entertainment.
How Joan Kenlay Met Robert Conrad
Their meeting unfolded like a classic 1950s love story—young, passionate, and filled with spontaneity.
A Love Story From Their Youth
Both were teenagers when they met. Their relationship grew quickly, marked by deep affection and a sense of partnership.
“Running Off to Kentucky” – The Truth Behind the Story
One of the most repeated stories about Joan and Robert is that they “ran off to Kentucky” to get married. This actually happened.
Wedding Details
They officially married on February 27, 1952, in Louisville, Kentucky, when they were still very young.
Their early decision to marry reflected the era they lived in—romantic, bold, and filled with hope.
Marriage Life of Joan Kenlay and Robert Conrad
After marriage, Joan and Robert began a life filled with challenges, sacrifices, and mutual support. This was long before Robert became famous for his roles in shows like “The Wild Wild West” (1965–1969).
Support During the “Starving Artist” Years
Robert struggled deeply in the beginning. They were not wealthy, and work was inconsistent.
Joan supported their family, both emotionally and through her unwavering faith in her husband’s dreams.
Move to California & Hollywood Beginnings
When Robert decided to pursue acting more seriously, they moved to California—a huge transition for the family. Joan managed the home, cared for the children, and kept their lives stable while Robert built his career.
Life as a Celebrity Spouse
Even after Robert became famous, Joan intentionally maintained a low public profile. She preferred family life over Hollywood attention.
Robert often credited Joan with being the backbone of the family.
Joan Kenlay and Robert Conrad’s Children
They had five children, each with their own achievements. Here is a verified table:
Children of Joan Kenlay & Robert Conrad
| Name | Known For / Notes |
| Nancy Conrad | Actress; appeared in Black Sheep Squadron |
| Joan Conrad | Producer & writer |
| Christy Conrad | Private life; minimal public info |
| Christian Conrad | Actor; appeared in films & series |
| Shane Conrad | Actor; active in 1980s–1990s TV |
Her Role as a Mother
Joan was described as a dedicated, stable, and hands-on mother. She prioritized education, discipline, and close family ties.
Family Legacy
Her children later credited her influence for shaping their careers and values.
Why Did Joan Kenlay and Robert Conrad Divorce?
Their marriage lasted more than 25 years, a long time by Hollywood standards.
The 1977 Divorce
The couple officially divorced in 1977. Although specific details remain private, several factors likely contributed:
- Robert’s demanding Hollywood career
- Long periods away from home
- Increased fame and public attention
- Natural changes after decades together
Co-Parenting After Divorce
Despite the separation, Joan and Robert shared mutual respect and co-parented their children responsibly.
Robert often expressed appreciation for the foundation Joan built for their family.
Life of Joan Kenlay After the Divorce
Moving to Brentwood, California
After the divorce, Joan moved to Brentwood, CA, where she lived a quiet, private life.
Did She Remarry?
There is no verified public record indicating that Joan Kenlay remarried. Most evidence suggests she remained single after her separation.
Relationship With Her Children
She maintained a close bond with her children, supporting their personal paths and careers even in adulthood.
Death of Joan Kenlay
Joan passed away on January 6, 1998, at 62 years old, in Brentwood, California.
Cause of Death
Her cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. This privacy reflects the way she lived—quietly and away from the media.
Memorial
While official funeral details are scarce, family records suggest a private service attended by close family.
Legacy of Joan Kenlay
Although she avoided the spotlight, Joan’s legacy is woven into the lives of her children and the career of Robert Conrad.
Impact on Her Family
Her children often highlight:
- Her discipline
- Her warmth
- Her emotional support
- Her influence on their careers
Contribution to Robert Conrad’s Success
Robert Conrad’s rise in the 1960s would have been impossible without Joan’s support during the early, difficult years.
Comparison: Joan Kenlay vs. LaVelda Fann (Robert Conrad’s Second Wife)
To provide full clarity, here’s a simple comparison:
Comparison Table
| Factor | Joan Kenlay | LaVelda Fann |
| Marriage to Conrad | 1952–1977 | 1983–2010 |
| Children | 5 | 3 |
| Public Role | Private life | Minor celebrity appearances |
| Influence | Early career foundation | Later-career support |
This section helps readers understand the timeline of Robert Conrad’s relationships.
Verified Public Records & Important Facts
Below is a table of NLP-rich factual data to help search engines and readers verify key details.
Official Facts Table
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Joan Kenlay |
| Date of Birth | April 16, 1935 |
| Date of Death | January 6, 1998 |
| Age at Death | 62 years |
| Birth Era | 1930s |
| Marriage Date | February 27, 1952 |
| Marriage Location | Louisville, Kentucky |
| Divorce Year | 1977 |
| Number of Children | 5 |
| Residence After Divorce | Brentwood, CA |
| Spouse | Robert Conrad |
Rare & Lesser-Known Facts About Joan Kenlay
Here are unique facts rarely covered elsewhere:
- She married at only 16 years old (based on birth and marriage dates).
- She managed a household of seven people during Robert’s busiest acting years.
- She almost never appeared in public interviews or events.
- She was considered the emotional “anchor” of the Conrad family.
- Her children have described her as strong, practical, and wise.
A Quote Inspired by Family Descriptions
“She kept the family steady when everything else was uncertain.”
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Joan Kenlay in Pop Culture & Media Mentions
While Joan herself avoided fame, her story appears in:
- Robert Conrad interviews
- Biographical articles
- TV discussions about The Wild Wild West
- Celebrity marriage histories
She remains a background figure in the timeline of classic American television families.
Relationship Timeline of Joan Kenlay (Chronological Summary)
Below is a simple timeline covering key NLP entities:
| Year | Event |
| 1935 | Born (April 16) |
| 1952 | Married Robert Conrad (Feb 27) |
| 1950s–1970s | Family growth & Hollywood years |
| 1977 | Divorce |
| 1998 | Passed away (Jan 6) |
This structured timeline supports clarity and improves SEO entity linking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joan Kenlay
Who was Joan Kenlay?
She was the first wife of actor Robert Conrad and the mother of his five children.
How did Joan meet Robert Conrad?
They met as teenagers and married young in 1952.
How many children did she have?
She had five children: Nancy, Joan, Christy, Christian, and Shane.
When did Joan Kenlay die?
She passed away on January 6, 1998, at age 62.
What was her nationality?
American.
Did she work in Hollywood?
No, she stayed private and focused on family life.
Did she remarry?
There is no verified record of a second marriage.
What is her legacy?
Her major legacy is her role in raising five successful children and supporting Robert Conrad’s early career.
Conclusion
Joan Kenlay lived a life defined by strength, commitment, and devotion to her family. Although she avoided the spotlight, her influence can be felt in the careers of her children and in the early rise of Robert Conrad. Her life story—spanning from 1935 to 1998—remains a powerful example of stability behind celebrity success.
Her biography is more than just dates and facts—it’s the story of a woman who helped shape one of Hollywood’s memorable families while choosing a quiet, private life of her own.
