Who is Joan Collins — A Deep Dive into the Life of an Icon
Joan Collins — born Joan Henrietta Collins on 23 May 1933 in Paddington, London — is a name that has come to symbolize glamour, resilience, and longevity in the entertainment industry. As of 2025, she is 92 years old and remains an admired figure for her multi-decade career as an actress, author, and columnist.
She was honored with the title of Dame for her contributions to the arts and charity, reflecting her lasting impact on both the entertainment world and public life. Her career has spanned over seven decades, beginning in British cinema and extending to Hollywood films, iconic television roles, stage performances, and writing.
Early Life & Childhood
Joan Collins was born into a family connected to show business. Her father, Joseph William Collins, was a theatrical agent, while her mother, Elsa Bessant Collins, had been a dancer and nightclub performer. Joan was the eldest of three children, including her sister Jackie Collins, who would later become a celebrated novelist.
From an early age, Joan was exposed to the entertainment world, and her upbringing shaped her ambitions. She trained at a drama school and began her acting career at the age of 17, signing with a major British film company. Her first appearances were in small or uncredited roles, giving her the foundation to grow into larger and more substantial parts.
Career: Film, Television, and Stage
Joan Collins’s career includes over seventy films, hundreds of television roles, and numerous stage performances. She started in British films during the 1950s, including a minor role in Lady Godiva Rides Again. Over the next decade, she continued to work steadily, building her skills and public profile.
Her international recognition grew in the late 1970s with films like The Stud and The Bitch, adaptations of novels written by her sister Jackie Collins. These roles helped solidify her status as a glamorous screen presence.
The role that truly made her a household name was Alexis Carrington Colby on the television soap opera Dynasty, which she played from 1981 to 1989. Joan’s portrayal of Alexis — a strong, stylish, and cunning character — became iconic, embodying the glamor and drama of the 1980s prime-time soap opera era.
Beyond television, Joan returned to theater, appearing in numerous stage productions in both the UK and the United States. She also produced and starred in projects, showing her versatility and continued influence in entertainment well into her later years.
Writing Career
In addition to acting, Joan Collins developed a successful career as an author. She has written memoirs, novels, romance books, beauty guides, and columns. Her first autobiography, Past Imperfect, shared her personal and professional experiences.
Other memoirs include Katy: A Fight for Life, which discussed her daughter’s serious accident and recovery, reflecting Joan’s role as a mother and her resilience in the face of challenges.
She also published fictional works such as Prime Time, Love and Desire and Hate, and Star Quality, blending glamour, intrigue, and drama. Through her writing, Joan connected with audiences in a more personal way, offering insight into both her life and imagination. Her books, memoirs, and novels have sold millions of copies worldwide, making her a respected figure in literature as well as entertainment.
Family and Personal Life
Joan Collins’s personal life has often attracted public attention. She has been married five times:
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Maxwell Reed (1952–1956)
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Anthony Newley (1963–1971) — with whom she had two children: daughter Tara and son Alexander
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Ron Kass (1972–1980s) — with whom she had daughter Katyana
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Peter Holm (1985–1987) — brief marriage
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Percy Gibson (2002–present) — her current husband
Her children are:
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Tara Newley — daughter with Anthony Newley
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Alexander Newley — son with Anthony Newley
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Katyana Kass — daughter with Ron Kass
Joan’s family life, including her role as a mother, her multiple marriages, and personal challenges, has often been in the public eye. Despite this, she has maintained a reputation for grace, resilience, and professionalism.
Net Worth and Current Life
As of 2025, Joan Collins’s estimated net worth is approximately £25 million (around US $31 million). Her wealth comes from her decades-long career in acting, royalties from television and films, book sales, and other ventures.
Today, Joan continues to divide her time between London, Los Angeles, and France. She remains active in the public eye through appearances, interviews, charitable work, and occasional projects. Her life demonstrates that age is no barrier to maintaining relevance and influence.
Legacy
Joan Collins’s legacy is multi-faceted:
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Career Longevity: Maintaining a prominent presence in entertainment for over 70 years
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Acting and Writing: Successfully building a parallel career as a novelist and memoirist
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Public Persona: Candidly sharing personal challenges and family experiences
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Cultural Impact: Alexis Carrington remains a defining character in television history, representing female ambition, power, and glamour
Joan Collins is not only an icon of her era but a timeless figure demonstrating resilience, reinvention, and dedication to craft.
Clarification About Gemma Collins
Although sometimes mentioned together in searches, Joan Collins has no familial or public relationship with Gemma Collins. Joan’s only well-known sibling is her sister Jackie Collins.
Conclusion
Joan Collins’s life story is one of elegance, strength, and adaptability. From her early days in London to Hollywood and television stardom, and as a prolific author, she has continuously reinvented herself. Even at 92, she is admired for her career achievements, her personal resilience, and her contributions to society.
