Joan Robinson; Early Television Actress

Joan Robinson, 72, early television actress in such programs as the “Hallmark Hall of Fame” and the soap opera “Edge of Night.” Robinson, whose formal name was Giovanna Calistri Robinson, began her career as a dancer in New York, and soon won a role on Broadway with Edward G. Robinson in “Middle of the Night.” She sang and danced in the Hallmark special “The Chocolate Soldier” and had recurring roles in a number of soap operas. Also a writer, Robinson published such plays as “Murder for Rent” and co-scripted as well as directed the film “Tuxedo Man.” She was working on a novel titled “Murder by Design.” On Friday in Palm Springs, of a heart attack.