Joan Marie Severance was born on December 23, 1958, in Houston, Texas, to Martha and John C. Severance. Her father's job as an IBM systems manager meant the family moved frequently, living in 12 different places by the time Joan was 11, including a stint in Libya.

After returning to the United States, she attended Westbury High School in Houston. At 15, she began modeling to save money for college, aspiring to become a veterinarian, but the high cost of tuition led her to pursue modeling full-time.

Her participation in the Miss Houston beauty contest caught the attention of local photographer Alan Martin, who introduced her to John Casablancas of Elite Model Management. This connection launched her international modeling career.

In Paris, Joan Severance quickly made a name for herself, gracing the covers of prominent magazines such as Vogue Paris and Sportswear International. Upon returning to the United States, she became one of America's top models, appearing in over 40 commercials and working with renowned designers like Versace, Chanel, and Armani.

She also appeared on the covers of the January 1990 and November 1992 issues of Playboy magazine. Joan transitioned to acting in 1986, making her film debut with a minor role in Lethal Weapon (1987).

She gained recognition for her portrayal of Susan Profitt in the television series Wiseguy (1988-1989), where she played a complex villainess alongside Kevin Spacey. This role showcased her acting versatility and opened doors to more significant opportunities.

Her filmography includes notable roles such as Eve in See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989), where she starred alongside Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder, and Samantha N. Moore in No Holds Barred (1989), featuring Hulk Hogan. She also played the titular role in Roger Corman's Black Scorpion (1995) and its sequel, Black Scorpion II: Aftershock (1997), which she co-produced.

Her television appearances are extensive, with roles in series like CSI: Miami, One Tree Hill, and American Horror Story: Asylum. Her hobbies include interior and landscape design, cooking, reading, entertaining, writing, and anything to do with horses.

She has finished her first book, Manifest Your Mate: A Journal for Attraction, and has a Bachelor's Degree in Natural Health.