Dame Joan Collins, born May 23, 1933, in London, England, has enjoyed a legendary career spanning more than seven decades. Best known for her role as Alexis Carrington in the television drama Dynasty, Collins overcame early life challenges—including the turmoil of World War II—to become one of the most iconic actresses in British and American television history. Now 90 years old, Collins continues to inspire with her enduring career and her joyful marriage to her younger husband, Percy Gibson.
Early Life in Wartime London
Joan Henrietta Collins was born into a creative family. Her mother, Elsa Collins, was a dance teacher and former nightclub hostess, while her father, Joseph Collins, was a successful talent agent of South African Jewish descent. Joan was the eldest of three children, with siblings Jackie (a bestselling author) and Bill.
Growing up during World War II, Collins was frequently evacuated from London due to the Blitz—the German bombing campaign against the United Kingdom. Like many Londoners during that period, the Collins family sought refuge in the London Underground. She later recalled sleeping at stations such as Marble Arch, where families found temporary shelter. Despite the hardships of war, these formative experiences helped shape her resilience and determination.
Education and Early Acting Career
Collins attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, a prestigious institution that has trained many renowned actors. Her talent and poise soon caught the attention of film producers, and she signed with J. Arthur Rank Film Company in the early 1950s. She made her screen debut in 1951 and quickly rose to prominence in British cinema, eventually earning opportunities in Hollywood.
She appeared in a variety of roles throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including performances in Land of the Pharaohs (1955), The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing (1955), and Esther and the King (1960). Collins was known for her versatility and striking beauty, which made her a popular choice for both period dramas and contemporary films.
International Stardom with Dynasty
While Collins had long been a familiar face in film and television, her breakout role came in 1981 when she was cast as Alexis Carrington in Dynasty, a prime-time American soap opera created by Richard and Esther Shapiro. Her performance as the glamorous and cunning ex-wife of Blake Carrington earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Drama in 1983.
Dynasty became a cultural phenomenon and solidified Collins’ status as an international star. Her portrayal of Alexis—marked by sharp dialogue, commanding presence, and impeccable fashion—played a pivotal role in the show’s success. The series ran until 1989 and remains a defining part of 1980s television.
Personal Life and Relationships
Joan Collins’ personal life has been as eventful as her professional career. She has been married five times. Her past relationships include a high-profile engagement to actor Warren Beatty. Though the engagement ended and they did not marry, Collins later discussed the personal impact of that relationship in interviews and her autobiography.
Her first marriage was to actor Maxwell Reed in 1952, followed by unions with Anthony Newley, Ron Kass, and Peter Holm. From these marriages, Collins had three children and continued to balance motherhood with a demanding acting schedule.
In February 2002, Collins married her fifth husband, actor and producer Percy Gibson. The couple met in 2000 while Collins was appearing in a stage production that Gibson was managing. Despite a 32-year age gap—Collins was in her late 60s and Gibson in his 30s when they met—the couple found deep compatibility and mutual respect.
In interviews, Collins has credited Gibson with bringing stability, humor, and kindness into her life. Their marriage, which has now lasted over 20 years, remains strong. The couple is frequently seen together at red-carpet events, charity galas, and interviews, exemplifying a partnership built on shared values and admiration.
Life Beyond the Screen
In addition to her acting, Joan Collins is a successful author. She has written multiple novels, memoirs, and lifestyle books. Her literary work includes Past Imperfect, The Joan Collins Beauty Book, and Second Act, among others. Her sister Jackie Collins, also a best-selling novelist, encouraged Joan’s writing career.
Collins has also remained active in theater, taking roles in stage productions both in the UK and abroad. Over the years, she has earned numerous accolades, including being appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2015 for her services to charity.
She is also known for her advocacy and philanthropy, especially in causes related to children’s welfare and breast cancer research. Her public presence—graceful, witty, and confident—has made her a respected voice in discussions about aging, beauty, and the evolving role of women in entertainment.
A Legacy of Glamour and Resilience
Even in her 90s, Joan Collins continues to exemplify vitality and elegance. She remains a sought-after guest on talk shows and public appearances, often reflecting on her long and dynamic career. Collins credits her longevity to a combination of discipline, optimism, and an enduring passion for her craft.
Her life is a testament to resilience—from growing up in wartime Britain to achieving lasting fame in Hollywood, to navigating the complexities of personal relationships with strength and poise. Today, she continues to enjoy life with her husband Percy Gibson by her side, proving that love, laughter, and purpose are timeless.
Conclusion
Dame Joan Collins’ story is one of perseverance, talent, and reinvention. From sheltering in London’s Underground during World War II to becoming an internationally recognized actress and style icon, she has lived a life filled with both personal challenges and professional triumphs. Now at 90, with a devoted younger husband and an enduring legacy in entertainment and literature, Collins remains an inspiration to generations of fans around the world.
Sources:
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BBC News – Joan Collins Biography
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The Guardian – Joan Collins: Interviews and Retrospectives
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The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) – Notable Alumni
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IMDb – Joan Collins Filmography
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Golden Globes – Awards Archive
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The Telegraph – Joan Collins on Life, Career, and Love
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National Archives UK – World War II and London Blitz Information
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British Film Institute (BFI) – Profiles of 20th Century British Actors
