Joan Collins
English actress and Dame known for Dynasty and Hollywood stardom.
Dame Joan Henrietta Collins, born 23 May 1933 in Paddington, London, is an English actress, author, and columnist. She is among the last surviving stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Collins earned a Golden Globe Award, a People’s Choice Award, two Soap Opera Digest Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. In 1983, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her philanthropy, especially for children’s causes, brought her many honors. Queen Elizabeth II made her a Dame in 2015 for charitable services, with the honor presented by then Prince of Wales, Charles III.
Collins grew up in Maida Vale, the daughter of dance teacher Elsa Collins and talent agent Joseph William Collins, whose clients included Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones. Her father was a Jewish South African; her mother was Anglican. She had a younger sister, novelist Jackie, and a younger brother, Bill, a property agent. Educated at Francis Holland School, she debuted on stage at age nine in Henrik Ibsen’s *A Doll’s House*. At 16, she trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. At 17, she signed with the Rank Organisation.
Her film debut came as an extra beauty contestant in *Lady Godiva Rides Again* (1951), followed by a small role in *The Woman’s Angle* (1952) and a supporting part in *Judgment Deferred* (1952). She then appeared on stage in *The Seventh Veil* (1952), played the title role in *Jassy*, and received top billing opposite Maxwell Reed in *The Skin of Our Teeth*. With dark hair and striking eyes, Collins cultivated a sultry, provocative image, earning the nickname “England’s Bad Girl” and being called “Britain’s answer to Marilyn Monroe.” Her breakthrough came as a juvenile delinquent in *I Believe in You* (1952). Under Rank, she made *Decameron Nights* (1953), *Cosh Boy* (1953), *Turn the Key Softly* (1953), *The Square Ring* (1953), and top-billed in *Our Girl Friday* (1953). She worked again with director Lewis Gilbert on *The Good Die Young* (1954). Between films, she returned to the stage for *The Praying Mantis* and *Claudia and David* (both 1954).
In 1954, American director Howard Hawks chose Collins to play scheming Princess Nellifer in her first international film, *Land of the Pharaohs* (1955). That same year, she signed with 20th Century Fox and starred as Evelyn Nesbit in *The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing* and Elizabeth Raleigh in *The Virgin Queen* (1955).
- known_for
- Role as Alexis Colby on Dynasty; Golden Globe Award winner for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama in 1982; Damehood for charitable services
Lore & Background
Joan Collins was born in Paddington, London, and raised in Maida Vale. Her father was a talent agent and her mother a dance teacher. She trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and signed with the Rank Organisation at age 17, making her film debut as an extra in Lady Godiva Rides Again (1951). She was nicknamed 'England's Bad Girl' and described as 'Britain's answer to Marilyn Monroe.' Her breakthrough came with I Believe in You (1952).
In 1955, Collins signed a seven-year contract with 20th Century Fox after impressing studio chief Darryl Zanuck with her performance in Land of the Pharaohs. She starred in films such as The Virgin Queen (1955), The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing (1955), and The Opposite Sex (1956). After starring in Esther and the King (1960), she was released from her Fox contract. She appeared in fewer film roles in the 1960s, including an episode of Star Trek (1967).
From 1981 to 1989, Collins played Alexis Colby on Dynasty, winning a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama in 1982 and earning a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 1984. In the 1990s and 2000s, she took on stage roles and television parts, including The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000) and These Old Broads (2001). In the 2010s, she had recurring roles in Happily Divorced, The Royals, Benidorm, and American Horror Story: Apocalypse.
Reader's Guide
Joan Collins's significance lies in her transition from British film star to international television icon. Her portrayal of Alexis Colby on Dynasty defined the 1980s prime-time soap opera and earned her a Golden Globe Award. She is one of the last surviving stars from Hollywood's Golden Age, having worked with directors like Howard Hawks and actors such as Bette Davis and Paul Newman. Beyond acting, Collins has been recognized for her philanthropy, particularly for children's causes, leading to her being made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015. Her career spans over seven decades, from early Rank Organisation films to independent cinema in the 2010s. She has also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1983) and a Saturn Award nomination for Empire of the Ants (1977). Her legacy includes a cult following for Land of the Pharaohs and critical acclaim for The Stud and The Bitch.
Did You Know?
- Collins was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015 for her charitable services, presented by then Prince of Wales, Charles III.
- She was the original choice to play Cleopatra in the 1963 film, but the part went to Elizabeth Taylor.
- Collins earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama in 1982 for her role as Alexis Colby on Dynasty.
- She appeared in an episode of Star Trek in 1967.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Joan Collins?
Joan Collins is an English actress, author, and columnist born in 1933 in Paddington, London. She is widely recognized as one of the final living icons to emerge from Hollywood's Golden Age era.
What role is Joan Collins most famous for?
She is best known for playing the scheming matriarch Alexis Colby on the television series Dynasty. That performance earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama in 1982.
What major awards has Joan Collins received?
Beyond her 1982 Golden Globe win, she has collected a People's Choice Award, two Soap Opera Digest Awards, and a Primetime Emmy nomination. She also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1983.
Why is Joan Collins considered important to Hollywood history?
As one of the last surviving stars from the Golden Age, she bridges the gap between classic cinema and modern television stardom. Her career spanned decades across both stage and screen, making her a living link to an earlier era of filmmaking.
Why was Joan Collins made a Dame?
Queen Elizabeth II conferred Damehood on Collins in 2015 in recognition of her extensive charitable work, particularly for children's causes. The honor was personally presented to her by then Prince of Wales, now King Charles III.
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