Dame Joan Collins is an iconic figure in entertainment, celebrated for her extensive work as an actress, author, and columnist. With a career spanning more than seven decades, she has earned numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Joan Collins is recognized not only for her powerful performances but also for her significant charitable contributions, which earned her the title of Dame in 2015.
Early Life
Joan Henrietta Collins was born on May 23, 1933, in Paddington, London. She grew up in a culturally rich household with her mother Elsa Collins, a dance teacher, and her father Joseph Collins, a talent agent who managed prominent clients such as Shirley Bassey and The Beatles. Joan showed an early affinity for acting, making her stage debut at the tender age of nine in a production of Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House”. At sixteen, she joined the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) to hone her craft, and soon after, she signed with The Rank Organisation, marking the beginning of her illustrious career.
1950s Acting Career
Joan Collins made her feature film debut in 1951 as a beauty contestant in Lady Godiva Rides Again. Her first major break came in the film I Believe in You (1952), where her portrayal of a juvenile delinquent earned her the nickname “Britain’s Bad Girl.” Over the next few years, she appeared in numerous British films, quickly establishing herself as a promising young star.
By 1954, Collins had caught the attention of Hollywood, and director Howard Hawks cast her in the international production Land of the Pharaohs. The movie’s lavish production helped her gain recognition, and soon she signed a seven-year contract with 20th Century Fox. Her Hollywood career took off, with prominent roles in films such as The Virgin Queen (1955), opposite Bette Davis, and The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing (1955), in which she played the infamous Evelyn Nesbit.
1960s Acting Career
Despite her early success, Joan Collins became increasingly disillusioned with 20th Century Fox after being replaced in the title role of Cleopatra by Elizabeth Taylor. After her contract ended, she moved back to Britain and focused on both film and television. Notable roles included appearances in The Road to Hong Kong (1962) with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, and guest roles in popular American TV shows, including Star Trek, where she played Edith Keeler in the episode “The City on the Edge of Forever.”
1970s Acting Career
The 1970s saw Joan Collins diversify her career, starring in numerous British thrillers and horror films, such as Revenge (1971), Tales from the Crypt (1972), and Dark Places (1973). She also appeared in the cult classic Empire of the Ants (1977), earning a Saturn Award nomination. During this decade, Joan’s career reached new heights with her portrayal of Fontaine Khaled in the film adaptations of her sister Jackie Collins’ novels, The Stud (1978) and The Bitch (1979). These films were not only commercially successful but also marked her as a bold and glamorous star.
1980s Acting Career and Dynasty Fame
In 1981, Joan Collins joined the cast of the television series Dynasty, taking on the role of Alexis Colby, the vengeful ex-wife of oil tycoon Blake Carrington. Her portrayal of Alexis brought her critical acclaim and catapulted her to international superstardom. Dynasty became one of the most popular TV shows of the decade, with Joan’s character often credited for its massive success. For her performance, she won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama in 1983.
During the 1980s, Collins also appeared in films such as Nutcracker (1982) and produced and starred in the TV miniseries Sins (1986). She maintained her glamorous image, even posing for a 12-page layout in Playboy at the age of 50, further cementing her status as an iconic figure in pop culture.
1990s Career and Broadway Debut
Following the end of Dynasty in 1989, Joan Collins took her talents to the stage. She made her Broadway debut in a revival of Noël Coward’s Private Lives (1990), which received positive reviews. She also appeared in various films and TV movies throughout the 1990s, including Decadence (1994) and Annie: A Royal Adventure! (1995). Her versatility in both drama and comedy allowed her to continue captivating audiences on multiple platforms.
2000s Acting and Return to Television
In the early 2000s, Joan Collins made a comeback to the big screen with The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000), where she played Wilma Flintstone’s mother, Pearl Slaghoople. She also appeared in the TV movie These Old Broads (2001), sharing the screen with Elizabeth Taylor, Debbie Reynolds, and Shirley MacLaine. Her return to television included roles in soap operas such as Guiding Light and reality series like Joan Collins Does Glamour.
2010s Acting Comeback
Joan Collins made a significant return to television during the 2010s, with roles in series such as Happily Divorced (2011–2013), Benidorm (2014–2017), and The Royals (2014–2018). She also starred in the independent film The Time of Their Lives (2017), her first leading role in a feature film since the 1980s. In 2018, she appeared in the popular horror anthology series American Horror Story: Apocalypse, portraying the glamorous yet cunning Evie Gallant and witch Bubbles McGee.
2020s Recent Work
In recent years, Joan Collins has continued to captivate audiences with her presence on screen. She co-starred in the 2020 film The Loss Adjuster and appeared in the historical drama miniseries Glow and Darkness (2021). Despite being in her late 80s, Collins shows no signs of slowing down, continuously taking on roles that showcase her versatility and elegance.
Other Ventures
Aside from acting, Joan Collins has built a successful career as an author. She has written several bestselling novels, including Prime Time and Love & Desire & Hate, as well as lifestyle books such as The Joan Collins Beauty Book. To date, she has sold over 50 million copies of her books worldwide. Joan is also known for her philanthropy, supporting numerous charities, including the Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and Fight for Sight.
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Personal Life
Joan Collins has been married five times and has three children. Her marriages and relationships have often made headlines, including her brief engagement to Warren Beatty. In 2002, she married her fifth husband, Percy Gibson, who is 31 years her junior. Joan’s younger sister, Jackie Collins, was also a notable author, known for her racy novels that topped bestseller lists worldwide. Joan maintains residences in London, Los Angeles, New York City, and France, and has described her lifestyle as that of a “gypsy.”
Political Views and Honours
Joan Collins has been an outspoken supporter of the British monarchy and was also a supporter of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. She was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1997 for her services to drama and was advanced to Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2015 for her charitable work.
Filmography and Theatre Performances
Throughout her career, Joan Collins has appeared in over 60 films and numerous television series. She has also graced the stage in many productions, from the West End to Broadway. Her notable theatre performances include Private Lives and her one-woman show An Evening with Joan Collins, which has toured worldwide.
Conclusion
Joan Collins remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Her journey from a young actress in London to an international superstar is a testament to her talent, resilience, and charm. Whether on stage, in film, or on television, Joan Collins continues to shine brightly, captivating audiences across generations. Her legacy as an actress, philanthropist, and author will undoubtedly continue to inspire for years to come.
