Joan Collins Biography: Dame Joan Henrietta Collins born May 23, 1933 is an English actress, author, and columnist. She has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including a Golden Globe Award, a People’s Choice Award, two Soap Opera Digest Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. In 1983, Collins was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Joan Collins Biography
Joan Collins is an English actress from Paddington, London, best known for her iconic role as the cunning and vengeful Alexis Carrington Colby on the soap opera Dynasty (1981–1989). In 1997, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contributions to drama, and in 2015, she was elevated to Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in recognition of her charitable work.
Joan Collins Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Joan Henrietta Collins
23 May 1933 Paddington, London, England
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| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1951–present |
| Spouses |
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| Children | 3, including Tara and Alexander |
| Relatives | Jackie Collins (sister) |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Joan Collins
Dame Joan Henrietta Collins is an English actress, author and columnist. She is the recipient of several accolades, including a Golden Globe Awards, a People’s Choice Award, two Soap Opera Digest Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. In 1983, Collins was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Joan Collins Achievements
She is also widely recognized for her philanthropic efforts, particularly her advocacy for children’s causes, which has earned her several honors. In 2015, she was appointed a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II for her charitable work, an honor presented to her by the then Prince of Wales. Collins trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and signed with The Rank Organisation at age 17.
Joan Collins Personal Life
She is the daughter of talent agent Joseph William Collins (1902–1988) and dance teacher Elsa Bessant (1906–1962). Joseph, who was born in South Africa and of Jewish heritage, represented high-profile clients including Shirley Bassey, the Beatles, and Tom Jones. Elsa, born in the United Kingdom, came from an Anglican family.
Joan Collins Wiki
- Born: 23 May 1933 (age 92 years), Paddington, London, United Kingdom
- Spouse: Percy Gibson (m. 2002), Peter Holm (m. 1985–1987) ·
- Children: Tara Newley, Katyana Kennedy Kass, Alexander Newley
- Grandchildren: Ava Grace Newley, Miel Celeste Adam, Weston Skeates
- Siblings: Jackie Collins, Bill Collins
Early Life
Joan Collins was born on May 23, 1933, in Paddington, London, and raised in the nearby area of Maida Vale. She is the daughter of Elsa Collins (née Bessant), a dance teacher, and Joseph William Collins, a talent agent whose clients later included Shirley Bassey, the Beatles, and Tom Jones. Her father, originally from South Africa, was of Jewish descent, while her mother was British and Anglican.
Collins grew up with two younger siblings: Jackie Collins, who became a best-selling novelist, and Bill Collins, a property agent. She was educated at Francis Holland School, an independent girls’ school in London. She made her stage debut at the age of nine in a production of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House. At 16, she began formal training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), and by the age of 17, she had signed a contract with the British film studio, the Rank Organisation.
Mini Bio and Overview
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dame Joan Henrietta Collins |
| Date of Birth | May 23, 1933 |
| Place of Birth | Paddington, London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) |
| Notable Works | Dynasty, The Stud, The Bitch, The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing |
| Spouse/Partner | Percy Gibson (current), previously married four times |
| Children | Tara Newley, Alexander Newley, Katyana Kass |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $20 million (from acting, writing, and investments) |
| Major Achievements | Golden Globe Award (1983), Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1983), Damehood |
Family Background
Joan Collins was born into a family closely tied to the entertainment world. Her father, Joseph William Collins, was a well-known talent agent whose clientele included stars like Shirley Bassey and The Beatles. Her mother, Elsa Bessant Collins, was a dance teacher and former nightclub hostess. Joan grew up with her siblings Jackie Collins, who became a best-selling novelist, and Bill Collins.
During World War II, the family survived the London Blitz by taking shelter in Tube stations. Despite the hardships of wartime, Joan’s childhood was described as both idyllic and disciplined, shaped by her father’s stern nature and her mother’s gentler influence. She attended Francis Holland School before studying acting at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). At just 17, she signed with the J. Arthur Rank Film Company, launching her professional career.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
Joan Collins made her film debut in a small role in Lady Godiva Rides Again (1951). By 1955, she had relocated to Hollywood and signed with 20th Century Fox. Early appearances in films like The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing and Land of the Pharaohs highlighted her charm and screen presence, though she faced challenges securing substantial roles during the 1960s.
Her career experienced a resurgence in the late 1970s when she starred in film adaptations of her sister Jackie Collins’s novels, The Stud (1978) and The Bitch (1979), which were commercial successes. However, her breakthrough came in 1981 when she took on the role of Alexis Carrington Colby in ABC’s Dynasty. The character quickly became iconic, earning Joan a Golden Globe Award in 1983 and cementing her status as a television and fashion icon.
Notable Works and Achievements
Joan Collins’s extensive work includes:
- Films: Island in the Sun (1957), The Opposite Sex (1956), Esther and the King (1960)
- Television: Dynasty (1981–1989), Benidorm, American Horror Story, The Royals
- Awards: Golden Globe Award for Best Actress (1983), People’s Choice Award, Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1983)
- Writing: Author of several memoirs like Past Imperfect and novels including Prime Time and Love & Desire & Hate
Personal Life and Relationships
Joan Collins has been married five times:
- Maxwell Reed (1952–1956), marriage ended in divorce
- Anthony Newley (1963–1971), with whom she had two children, Tara and Alexander Newley
- Ron Kass (1972–1983), father of her daughter Katyana Kass
- Peter Holm (1985–1987), a brief and acrimonious marriage
- Percy Gibson (2002–present), whom she married at Claridge’s Hotel in London; he is 31 years her junior
Her children include Tara, a writer and producer; Alexander, a portrait artist; and Katyana, who overcame serious health challenges following an accident.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Joan famously declined the role of Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra due to contract disagreements.
- She celebrated 70 years in the entertainment industry in 2021.
- Known for her sharp humor, she once quipped, “Age is just a number; it’s totally irrelevant unless you happen to be a bottle of wine.”
Charitable Work and Legacy
Joan Collins is a dedicated philanthropist, supporting organizations focused on children’s welfare and health, such as UNICEF. Her advocacy and generosity have earned her respect far beyond her acting career. She remains an inspiration for women striving to build lasting careers in the entertainment industry.
Future Plans
At 91 years old in 2025, Joan continues to work selectively while enjoying her life with Percy Gibson. She stays engaged with fans through social media, offering glimpses of her glamorous lifestyle and ongoing projects.
Joan Collins Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, Joan Collins’s net worth is estimate to be around $20 million. Her wealth comes from acting, writing, investments, and endorsements. She owns luxurious homes in London, Los Angeles, New York City, and Saint-Tropez. Known for her impeccable fashion sense, Joan has a vast collection of designer clothes and jewelry. Despite her success, she remains humble and actively supports various charitable causes.
FAQs
How rich is Joan Collins?
Joan Collins’s estimated net worth is US$ 20 million as of July 2022. Joan Collins is an American writer, actress, author, producer, and columnist from the UK.
How much did Joan Collins get paid for Dynasty?
The Dynasty set cost $600,000. And Joan Collins is reportedly paid about $45,000 per show. But it’s all worth it. The show is a major hit, and Joan is its biggest star.
What does Joan Collins eat daily?
“I try to eat a balanced diet. believe eating avocados is very beneficial and I believe in taking vitamin supplements – I take Vitamin C, E and Omega oils. I don’t stuff myself with food. only eat half of what’s on my plate and I won’t deprive myself.”</p>
What is Joan Collins famous for?
Joan Collins (born May 23, 1933, London, England) is an English actress known for her portrayals of bombshells and sexpots, notably the scheming seductress Alexis Carrington on the soap opera Dynasty (1981–89). Collins was raise in London, the oldest of three children of a theatrical agent and a former dancer.
Is Joan Collins a vegan?
I think I am.” And I’m not vegan, I tell her. So it’s carpaccio all round for starters. “It’s really hot in here,” Collins says.