Joan Collins

Dame Joan Henrietta Collins is a celebrated English actress, author, and columnist.

Her career spans many decades and various types of media. She has worked in theater, feature films, and television. Her work has earned her many prestigious accolades. These include a Golden Globe Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is also recognized for her significant philanthropic work. This charity work focuses on helping children. In 2015, Queen Elizabeth II appointed her a Dame for her charitable services.

Collins was born on May 23, 1933, in Paddington, London. She grew up in Maida Vale with two younger siblings. Her father, Joseph William Collins, was a talent agent. He represented famous clients like the Beatles and Tom Jones. Her mother, Elsa Collins, was a dance teacher. Joan received her education at the Francis Holland School in London. She began her acting journey very early in life. She made her stage debut at age nine in the play A Doll's House. Later, she trained professionally at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).

Her professional film career began at age 17 with the Rank Organisation. She started with small roles in British films. These included Lady Godiva Rides Again and The Woman's Angle. She eventually secured a supporting role in Judgment Deferred. Because of her striking appearance, she was often cast in provocative roles. Some called her "England's Bad Girl." Her breakthrough came with the role of a juvenile delinquent in I Believe in You. In 1955, she starred as Princess Nellifer in Land of the Pharaohs. This performance impressed the chief of 20th Century Fox. It resulted in a seven-year contract with the Hollywood studio.

During her years with 20th Century Fox, Collins starred in many historical dramas. She played Evelyn Nesbit in The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing. She also appeared in The Virgin Queen. In 1957, she starred in the film Island in the Sun. This movie was a major success at the box office. It earned $5,550,000 worldwide and was the sixth-highest-grossing film of that year. She also worked in Westerns and espionage thrillers. One notable example was The Bravados, where she acted alongside Gregory Peck.

In the 1960s, Collins moved between different types of entertainment. She appeared in the popular television series Star Trek. She played the character Edith Keeler in the episode "The City on the Edge of Forever." Many critics consider this one of the best episodes in the franchise. She also worked in several international films. In the 1970s, she returned to Britain to act in many thrillers and horror films. These included Revenge, Tales from the Crypt, and Fear in the Night. She also traveled to Italy to perform in the comedy L'arbitro.

Collins became an international superstar between 1981 and 1989. She played the character Alexis Colby in the soap opera Dynasty. This role brought her immense critical acclaim. In 1982, she won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama. She also received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 1984.

This era defined her status as a major television icon. Even after this period, she continued to find success in different roles. She appeared in The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas in 2000. She also acted with legends like Elizabeth Taylor in the TV movie These Old Broads.

In recent years, Collins has made several comebacks to mainstream television. She appeared in series such as The Royals and Benidorm. She also acted in the series American Horror Story: Apocalypse. In 2017, she took her first starring film role since the 1980s in The Time of Their Lives. She has also worked in independent films like the critically acclaimed Gerry. Her long career demonstrates her versatility across many different genres.

From the stage to Hollywood, she remains a notable figure in the arts.