Biography[]
Clayton is considered the unofficial "den mother" of the group, as she frequently looks out for her friends even at the expense of dealing with her own problems, which are plentiful throughout the series run. Joan, originally from Fresno, met Toni when they were children, met Lynn in college. Maya is her assistant at the law firm. She has always had problems with relationships and gave up her law career to pursue her dreams. She and Toni clash several times throughout the series, resulting in ending and reconciling their friendship. Major incidents involved Joan inadvertently revealing Toni's cheating to Greg, and Joan's jealousy of Toni's marriage to Todd, but their friendship officially ends by the end of Season 6 when Joan fails to appear for Toni's custody hearing. For much of Season 7, Joan mourned the loss of her feventually opting to resent and belittle her in front of the group. At the end of Season 7, she became engaged to Aaron Waters, whom she met while rehabilitating homes in New Orleans damaged by Hurricane Katrina; she moved into his home while Aaron was deployed to Iraq and rented her house to Lynn.
Character Overview[]
Joan is introduced as a successful and driven woman, working as an attorney at the prestigious law firm of Goldberg, Swedelson, McDonald, and Lee. Her professional achievements are juxtaposed with her personal journey, exploring relationships, friendships, and self-discovery.
Role in the Show[]
As the linchpin of the group, Joan's character development is intricately woven into the fabric of the series. Her pursuit of love, career advancement, and personal growth form the crux of various storylines. Joan's journey grapples with societal expectations, personal fulfillment, and the quest for balance in her multifaceted life.
Relationships:[]
Joan's romantic relationships, notably with characters such as William Dent, Aaron Waters, and various others, offer a glimpse into her desires for love and commitment. These relationships often serve as catalysts for her self-reflection and growth.
Throughout the series "Girlfriends," Joan Clayton, portrayed by Tracee Ellis Ross, has had several romantic relationships. Some of the significant partners Joan has dated include:
- **Bart Fisher:**
- Joan's ex-boyfriend, who reappears in her life, causing emotional turmoil due to their history.
- Sean:
- A charming contractor Joan dates, but their relationship faces hurdles due to differing priorities.
- **Aaron Waters:**
- A notable relationship, where Joan explores a deeper connection but faces challenges due to their conflicting career ambitions.
- Chris Dennison
- A younger man Joan dates, highlighting the complexities of age disparity in relationships.
- **Davis Hamilton:**
- A potential love interest who works as a businessman and enters Joan's life, but their relationship faces obstacles.
- Kenneth:
- Joan's relationship with a professor that challenges her perceptions and beliefs about dating older men.
- Brock:
- Joan's brief engagement to Brock, which ends due to irreconcilable differences about children.
These relationships showcase Joan's journey through varied romantic experiences, each contributing to her personal growth and understanding of love and relationships.
Friendships:[]
Central to Joan's character is her unwavering loyalty and support for her friends: Maya, Lynn, and Toni. Her interactions with each friend reflect different aspects of her personality, showcasing her nurturing nature, resilience, and occasional vulnerability.
Career:[]
Joan's career progression from an ambitious attorney to a partner at her law firm reflects her determination and dedication. Her professional successes and challenges resonate with many viewers, highlighting the complexities of navigating a demanding career while seeking personal fulfillment.
Legacy:[]
Joan Clayton remains a beloved and iconic character in "Girlfriends." Her journey through the series embodies themes of empowerment, resilience, and self-discovery, resonating with audiences and leaving a lasting impact on the portrayal of multifaceted women on television.