50 Facts About Joan Collins

Early Life and Family Background

Joan Collins's journey to stardom began in London, where she was born into a family with strong ties to the entertainment industry. Her early years were shaped by her parents' diverse backgrounds and her father's profession.

1. Birth and Early Life: Joan Henrietta Collins was born on May 23, 1933, in London, England. She is the eldest child of Elsa Bessant Collins, a former nightclub hostess, and Joseph William Collins, a successful talent agent whose clients included Tom Jones and the Beatles.

2. Family Background: Collins's mother was British-born Anglican, while her father was South African-born Jewish. The family had two more children: Jackie Collins, a successful novelist, and Bill Collins.

3. Early Career Aspirations: Before becoming an actress, Collins considered becoming a private detective or a fashion designer. Her interest in acting began at a young age, influenced by her father's profession in the entertainment industry.

Education and Early Career

Joan's formal training and early roles set the stage for her illustrious career. Her time at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and her initial film roles were crucial in shaping her future.

4. Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA): At age 15, Collins enrolled at RADA to pursue her acting career. The school has produced acclaimed talent like Alan Rickman, Robert Reed, Roger Moore, and Vivien Leigh.

5. Stage Debut: Collins made her stage debut in a 1946 production of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House while still a student at RADA.

6. First Film Role: Collins landed her first film role in the 1951 movie Lady Godiva Rides Again, although it was an uncredited part as a beauty pageant contestant.

Breakthrough and Hollywood Success

Joan's big break came with her move to Hollywood, where she quickly made a name for herself with a series of notable roles.

7. Contract with J. Arthur Rank’s Entertainment Company: After her first film role, Collins signed a five-year contract with J. Arthur Rank’s entertainment company. Her first credited film role was in Judgement Deferred (1952).

8. Typecasting: Collins soon became typecast as a harlot or troubled teenager, roles that she continued to play for more than five decades, both on film and television.

9. Break into Hollywood: Collins’s big break came with the role of evil Princess Nellifer in Land of the Pharaohs (1955), directed by Howard Hawks. This role helped her break into Hollywood.

10. Contract with 20th Century Fox: After being spotted by Hollywood executive Darryl F. Zanuck while filming Land of the Pharaohs, Collins’s British film contract was bought by Twentieth Century-Fox.

Notable Film Roles

Throughout the late 1950s and 1960s, Joan Collins starred in several significant films that showcased her versatility as an actress.

11. Notable Film Roles: Collins appeared in several notable films during the late 1950s, including The Opposite Sex (1956), Sea Wife (1957), and The Wayward Bus (1957).

12. Epic Film Esther and the King: In 1960, Collins starred in the epic film Esther and the King, which marked a significant role in her career. She was released from her contract with 20th Century-Fox upon request.

13. British Films: After signing with Rank, Collins appeared in many British films, including Decameron Nights (1953) with Joan Fontaine and Cosh Boy (1953), England’s first X certificate drama, directed by Lewis Gilbert.

14. Desert Island Comedy The Road to Hong Kong: In 1962, Collins was top-billed in the desert island comedy The Road to Hong Kong, where she starred alongside Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour.

15. Italian Drama Hard Time for Princes: In Italy, Collins starred in Hard Time for Princes (1965), a role that showcased her versatility as an actress.

Television Career

Joan Collins's television career is marked by iconic roles and memorable guest appearances that have left a lasting impact on audiences.

16. Detective Thriller Warning Shot: In the US, Collins played David Janssen’s wife in the detective thriller Warning Shot (1967).

17. Spy Caper Subterfuge: In the UK, she was the leading lady in the spy caper Subterfuge (1968).

18. Comedy If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium: Collins made a cameo appearance in the comedy If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium (1969).

19. Autobiographical Musical Can Heironymus Merkin Ever Forget Mercy Humppe and Find True Happiness?: In 1969, Collins starred opposite her husband Anthony Newley in his autobiographical musical Can Heironymus Merkin Ever Forget Mercy Humppe and Find True Happiness?, a decision she later regretted.

20. Italian Drama L’amore brave: Collins also starred in the Italian drama L’amore brave (1969).

21. Thriller The Executioner: She played a significant role in the thriller The Executioner (1970), alongside George Peppard.

22. Quasi-Sequel Up in the Cellar: Collins appeared in Up in the Cellar (1970), a quasisequel to Three in the Attic.

23. Television Dramatic Career: Collins began her television dramatic career with a guest role in The Human Jungle in 1963. She made notable appearances on American television during the 1960s, including playing the villainous Siren in Batman.

24. Notable Television Roles: Collins’s notable television roles included appearances in Run For Your Life, The Virginian, Mission: Impossible, and The Man From U.N.C.L.E..

Iconic Role in Dynasty

Joan Collins's most famous role came in the 1980s when she joined the cast of the prime-time drama Dynasty. Her portrayal of Alexis Carrington Colby became legendary.

25. Role in Dynasty: Collins is best known for her role as Alexis Carrington Colby, the scheming ex-wife of patriarch Blake Carrington, on Aaron Spelling’s prime-time drama Dynasty (1981–89).

26. Impact on Dynasty: Collins’s arrival in Dynasty significantly boosted the show’s ratings. The show jumped from ranking 28 in the Nielsen ratings to the top 20 after her introduction. By the fifth season, Dynasty was the most-watched show in the United States.

27. Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: In recognition of her new status, Collins was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for career achievement in 1983.

Philanthropy and Writing

Beyond acting, Joan Collins has made significant contributions to philanthropy and literature, showcasing her versatility and commitment to various causes.

28. Philanthropy: Collins has been recognized for her philanthropy, particularly her advocacy towards causes relating to children. This has earned her many honors.

29. Author and Columnist: In addition to her acting career, Collins is also an author and columnist. She has published several books, including her autobiography Past Imperfect (1978) and The World According to Joan (2011).

30. Romance Novels: Collins turned to fiction in the late 1980s, following in her sister Jackie’s footsteps with glitzy romance novels such as Prime Time (1988) and Love and Desire and Hate (1990).

31. Beauty Books: Collins has also published several beauty books and was a contributor to periodicals.

Awards and Recognition

Joan Collins's talent and contributions to the entertainment industry have earned her numerous awards and honors over the years.

32. Awards and Recognition: Collins has received several accolades, including a Golden Globe Award, a People’s Choice Award, two Soap Opera Digest Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.

33. Honorary Titles: In 1997, Collins was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her charitable services. In 2015, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her charitable work.

Personal Life

Joan Collins's personal life has been as eventful as her career, with multiple marriages, children, and high-profile relationships.

34. Marriages: Collins has been married five times: to Maxwell Reed, Anthony Newley, Ron Kass, Peter Holm, and Percy Gibson. Her marriage to Percy Gibson, who is 32 years her junior, has been particularly notable.

35. Daughters: Collins has two daughters: Katy Collins, whom she had with Ron Kass, and Tara Newley, whom she had with Anthony Newley.

36. Sister Jackie Collins: Collins’s sister, Jackie Collins, was a successful novelist whose books have sold more than 400 million copies. The sisters were close until Jackie’s death in 2015.

37. Affairs and Relationships: Collins has been known for her high-profile liaisons with leading men, including Dennis Hopper, Harry Belafonte, and Warren Beatty. She was engaged to Warren Beatty but ultimately married Anthony Newley instead.

38. Engagement Ring Incident: The story goes that Warren Beatty hid an engagement ring in a carton of chopped chicken liver, which Collins found and was amused by.

Modeling and Other Ventures

Joan Collins's career has also included modeling and various other ventures that have showcased her versatility and adaptability.

39. Modeling Career: Before becoming a full-time actress, Collins occasionally took modeling jobs to supplement her allowance. This work eventually caught the eye of a film agent.

40. Royal Training: Collins’s training at RADA provided her with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the competitive world of acting.

Memorable Guest Appearances

Joan Collins has made numerous guest appearances on television shows, leaving a lasting impression with each role.

41. Guest Star on Star Trek: Collins appeared in the episode "The City on the Edge of Forever" of Star Trek, which is often cited as one of the greatest episodes of the series. Her performance as Edith Keeler left a lasting impression on the franchise.

42. Villainous Role in Batman: Collins played the villainous Siren in two episodes of Batman, showcasing her ability to play complex and intriguing characters.

Continued Philanthropy and Stage Work

Joan Collins's commitment to philanthropy and her continued work on stage highlight her dedication to her craft and various causes.

43. Philanthropic Work: Collins has been involved in various charitable causes, particularly those related to children. Her advocacy has earned her numerous honors and recognition.

44. Touring Solo Stage Act: In 2006, Collins toured the United Kingdom with her solo stage act An Evening with Joan Collins. She took the show to the United States for a tour three years later.

Recent Appearances and Memoirs

Joan Collins continues to make guest appearances and has published several memoirs that provide insight into her life and career.

45. Guest Appearances: Collins has made guest appearances on various television shows, including Footballers’ Wives, Happily Divorced, and The Royals.

46. Memoirs: Collins has published several memoirs, including Katy: A Fight for Life (1982), which dealt with her daughter’s rehabilitation from brain damage after being hit by a car.

47. Autobiographical Works: Her autobiography Past Imperfect (1978) reflected on her early life and career, especially her tempestuous love life. The book became a bestseller and was revised in 1984.

48. Fictional Works: Collins turned to fiction in the late 1980s, publishing romance novels such as Prime Time (1988) and Love and Desire and Hate (1990), following in her sister Jackie’s footsteps.

49. Beauty Books and Periodicals: Collins has also published several beauty books and contributed to periodicals, showcasing her versatility beyond acting and writing.

50. Legacy: Joan Collins’s legacy extends beyond her acting career. She remains an iconic figure in the entertainment industry, known for her timeless beauty, dynamic performances, and philanthropic work. Her contributions to literature and television have left a lasting impact on popular culture.

Joan Collins: A Timeless Icon

Joan Collins has dazzled audiences for over seven decades with her talent, beauty, and charisma. From her early days at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art to her unforgettable role as Alexis Carrington in Dynasty, she’s left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Beyond acting, Collins has authored books, engaged in philanthropy, and even dabbled in modeling. Her versatility and resilience have made her a beloved figure worldwide. Recognized with numerous awards and honors, including being made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, Collins’s legacy is one of glamour, grit, and generosity. Whether on screen, stage, or in print, she continues to inspire and captivate. Joan Collins isn’t just a star; she’s a legend whose influence will be felt for generations to come.