Dame Joan Collins is a name synonymous with elegance, drama, and undeniable star power. With a career spanning more than seven decades, she has captivated audiences worldwide with her commanding screen presence, striking beauty, and timeless talent. From classic films to television royalty, Collins has remained an enduring icon in the entertainment industry.

Let’s take a closer look at her extraordinary journey, from her early beginnings in London to her legendary role in Dynasty, and her continued influence in Hollywood and beyond.

Early Life and Hollywood Beginnings

Born Joan Henrietta Collins on May 23, 1933, in London, England, she was destined for stardom from a young age. As the eldest daughter of a theatrical agent and a former dancer, Joan and her siblings, including her sister Jackie Collins, grew up surrounded by the entertainment industry.

She made her stage debut at just 13 years old in a production of A Doll’s House. Recognizing her passion for acting, she enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) at age 15, setting the foundation for her illustrious career.

Her big-screen journey began in 1951 with an uncredited role in Lady Godiva Rides Again. A year later, she earned her first film credit in Judgement Deferred and gained further attention as the rebellious Norma in I Believe in You (1952).

Video: Angela Lansbury, Joan Collins and Dana Wynter performing at the 31st Oscars (1959

Hollywood’s Bad Girl: The Rise of a Star

Joan quickly gained a reputation for portraying seductive and rebellious characters, earning the title of “Britain’s Bad Girl” in the 1950s. Her big break came when she starred as Princess Nellifer in Land of the Pharaohs (1955), a performance that caught the attention of Hollywood moguls.

Twentieth Century-Fox took notice, and soon, Collins was on her way to Hollywood. Throughout the late ’50s and ’60s, she starred alongside industry legends, appearing in:

• The Virgin Queen (1955) opposite Bette Davis
• The Opposite Sex (1956) with June Allyson and Leslie Nielsen
• Rally ‘Round the Flag, Boys! (1958) alongside Paul Newman
• Esther and the King (1960), a lavish historical epic

Though Hollywood kept casting her in glamorous and seductive roles, she embraced her image and made it her own, mastering the art of playing strong, confident women.

Controversy and Reinvention: The Stud and The Bitch

In the 1970s, Collins’ career took a bold turn when she starred in The Stud (1978) and its sequel, The Bitch (1979). Based on the best-selling novels by her sister Jackie Collins, these films were risqué, provocative, and unapologetically bold—a stark contrast to the traditional roles she had played in Hollywood.

The films’ success revitalized her career, proving that she wasn’t afraid to push boundaries and embrace a more daring on-screen persona. But the biggest role of her career was yet to come.

Dynasty: The Role That Defined an Era

In 1981, Joan Collins landed the role that made her a global superstar: Alexis Carrington on ABC’s Dynasty. The show, created by Aaron Spelling, was a glamorous primetime soap opera filled with wealth, betrayal, and power struggles.

Collins’ portrayal of Alexis—the cunning, vengeful, and fabulously dressed ex-wife of Blake Carrington—redefined the female villain archetype. Her entrance in Season 2 saved the show from cancellation, turning Dynasty into one of the most-watched TV series of the 1980s.

Memorable moments from her time on Dynasty include:

• Legendary catfights with Linda Evans’ character, Krystle Carrington
• Alexis’ iconic one-liners, dripping with wit and venom
• Dramatic fashion statements, featuring bold shoulder pads, extravagant gowns, and impeccable elegance

Her performance earned her a Golden Globe Award in 1983 and cemented her legacy as one of TV’s most unforgettable characters.

Life After Dynasty: A Star Who Never Fades

When Dynasty ended in 1989, Collins didn’t slow down. Instead, she returned to her theatrical roots and made her Broadway debut in Private Lives (1992). She also continued to appear in films and TV shows, embracing her glamorous, no-nonsense persona in:

• The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000)
• Will & Grace (2000) as Karen Walker’s high-society mother
• Happily Divorced (2011) alongside Fran Drescher
• The Royals (2015–2018) as the Grand Duchess of Oxford

She even took her one-woman show, An Evening with Joan Collins, on a successful tour across the UK and the US.

More Than an Actress: A Bestselling Author

Video: Who is Joan Collins?

Joan Collins is not only a screen legend but also a successful author. She has penned multiple best-selling books, including:

• Autobiographies: Past Imperfect (1978), Second Act (1996), The World According to Joan (2011)
• Fiction: Prime Time (1988), Love and Desire and Hate (1990), Star Quality (2002)
• Beauty and lifestyle guides: The Joan Collins Beauty Book (1980), My Secrets (1994)

Like her sister Jackie, Joan mastered the art of storytelling, drawing inspiration from the glamorous and scandalous world she knew so well.

Honors and Recognition: A True British Dame

Joan Collins has received numerous accolades for her contributions to film, television, and literature. In 1997, she was honored as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), and in 2015, she was elevated to Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE).

These titles recognized not only her impact on the entertainment industry but also her extensive charitable work. Over the years, Collins has been a strong advocate for children’s charities and cancer research, using her platform for good.

A Living Legend Who Continues to Shine

At 91 years old, Dame Joan Collins continues to be an icon of style, wit, and resilience. She remains active in the entertainment industry, making appearances, writing, and embracing the spotlight with the same energy that made her a star decades ago.

Her legacy isn’t just about her glamorous image or unforgettable roles—it’s about her ability to reinvent herself, embrace challenges, and remain unapologetically herself.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Joan Collins

Few stars have had a career as long, diverse, and impactful as Joan Collins. Whether she’s stealing scenes on-screen, captivating readers with her novels, or gracing red carpets with effortless elegance, she continues to prove that true glamour never fades.

From Dynasty’s Alexis Carrington to the pages of bestselling books, Joan Collins is much more than an actress—she is a cultural icon, a trailblazer, and a living legend.