Dame Joan Henrietta Collins DBE (born 23 May 1933) is a British actress, author, and columnist. She rose to international stardom through her career in film and television, becoming particularly renowned for her role as Alexis Colby in the 1980s prime-time soap opera Dynasty. Collins has also achieved success as a bestselling author and a prominent socialite.
Early Life and Career Beginnings Born in Paddington, London, Collins is the daughter of Joseph William Collins, a theatrical agent whose clients would later include Tom Jones and the Beatles, and Elsa Bessant, a dance teacher. Her younger sister is Jackie Collins, a successful novelist. Collins attended the Francis Holland School and, at the age of 16, was accepted into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). After two years at RADA, she signed a contract with the Rank Organisation, a British film studio.
Her early film career saw her appearing in a string of British movies throughout the early 1950s, including Lady Godiva Rides Again (1951) and The Good Die Young (1954). In 1955, she moved to Hollywood and signed a contract with 20th Century Fox, where she was promoted as a glamour girl and appeared in films such as Howard Hawks's epic Land of the Pharaohs (1955) and The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing (1955). She continued to work steadily in Hollywood and British films throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, often cast in roles that emphasized her beauty and seductive appeal, including sci-fi cult classic Empire of the Ants (1977).
Rise to Stardom: Dynasty Collins experienced a significant career resurgence in 1981 when she was cast as the manipulative and vindictive Alexis Colby in the ABC prime-time soap opera Dynasty. The role, initially intended as a guest appearance, quickly became central to the show's success, transforming its ratings and cementing Collins's status as a global television icon. Her portrayal of Alexis earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama in 1983, along with several other nominations. Her character's fierce rivalry with Krystle Carrington (Linda Evans) became one of television's most iconic feuds. Collins remained with Dynasty until its cancellation in 1989 and reprised her role in the 1991 miniseries Dynasty: The Reunion.
Later Career and Other Ventures Following Dynasty, Collins continued to act in film, television, and theatre. She has appeared in numerous stage productions, including a one-woman show, and made guest appearances in various television series.
Beyond acting, Collins has forged a successful career as an author. Her first novel, Prime Time, became a bestseller in 1988, and she has since written several other novels, including Love and Desire and Hate (1990) and Star Quality (2002). She has also published several autobiographies, including Past Imperfect (1984), Second Act (1996), and The World According to Joan (2011), as well as lifestyle books. Collins is also a regular columnist for The Spectator magazine.
Personal Life and Philanthropy Collins has been married five times and has three children: Tara Newley and Sacha Newley from her marriage to Anthony Newley, and Katyana Kass from her marriage to Ron Kass.
Throughout her career, Collins has been a vocal advocate for various charitable causes. She is a patron of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and has supported numerous other organisations, including the Shooting Star Children's Hospices and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Awards and Recognition For her services to drama, Collins was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1997. She was elevated to Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2015 New Year Honours for her services to charity and acting. She has also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Legacy Joan Collins is widely regarded as a British icon and a symbol of glamour and enduring show business success. Her role as Alexis Colby redefined the villainess character in television and left an indelible mark on popular culture. Known for her impeccable style and outspoken personality, she remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and a beloved public personality.