The Unforgettable Legacy of Joan Collins in Entertainment

Dame Joan Collins is an iconic figure in entertainment, celebrated for her extensive work as an actress, author, and columnist. With a career spanning more than seven decades, she has earned numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Joan Collins is recognized not only for her powerful performances but also for her significant charitable contributions, which earned her the title of Dame in 2015.

Early Life

Joan Henrietta Collins was born on May 23, 1933, in Paddington, London. She grew up in a culturally rich household with her mother Elsa Collins, a dance teacher, and her father Joseph Collins, a talent agent who managed prominent clients such as Shirley Bassey and The Beatles. Joan showed an early affinity for acting, making her stage debut at the tender age of nine in a production of Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House”. At sixteen, she joined the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) to hone her craft, and soon after, she signed with The Rank Organisation, marking the beginning of her illustrious career.

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1950s Acting Career

Joan Collins made her feature film debut in 1951 as a beauty contestant in Lady Godiva Rides Again. Her first major break came in the film I Believe in You (1952), where her portrayal of a juvenile delinquent earned her the nickname “Britain’s Bad Girl.” Over the next few years, she appeared in numerous British films, quickly establishing herself as a promising young star.

By 1954, Collins had caught the attention of Hollywood, and director Howard Hawks cast her in the international production Land of the Pharaohs. The movie’s lavish production helped her gain recognition, and soon she signed a seven-year contract with 20th Century Fox. Her Hollywood career took off, with prominent roles in films such as The Virgin Queen (1955), opposite Bette Davis, and The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing (1955), in which she played the infamous Evelyn Nesbit.

1960s Acting Career

Despite her early success, Joan Collins became increasingly disillusioned with 20th Century Fox after being replaced in the title role of Cleopatra by Elizabeth Taylor. After her contract ended, she moved back to Britain and focused on both film and television. Notable roles included appearances in The Road to Hong Kong (1962) with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, and guest roles in popular American TV shows, including Star Trek, where she played Edith Keeler in the episode “The City on the Edge of Forever.”

1970s Acting Career

The 1970s saw Joan Collins diversify her career, starring in numerous British thrillers and horror films, such as Revenge (1971), Tales from the Crypt (1972), and Dark Places (1973). She also appeared in the cult classic Empire of the Ants (1977), earning a Saturn Award nomination. During this decade, Joan’s career reached new heights with her portrayal of Fontaine Khaled in the film adaptations of her sister Jackie Collins’ novels, The Stud (1978) and The Bitch (1979). These films were not only commercially successful but also marked her as a bold and glamorous star.

1980s Acting Career and Dynasty Fame

In 1981, Joan Collins joined the cast of the television series Dynasty, taking on the role of Alexis Colby, the vengeful ex-wife of oil tycoon Blake Carrington. Her portrayal of Alexis brought her critical acclaim and catapulted her to international superstardom. Dynasty became one of the most popular TV shows of the decade, with Joan’s character often credited for its massive success. For her performance, she won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama in 1983.

During the 1980s, Collins also appeared in films such as Nutcracker (1982) and produced and starred in the TV miniseries Sins (1986). She maintained her glamorous image, even posing for a 12-page layout in Playboy at the age of 50, further cementing her status as an iconic figure in pop culture.

1990s Career and Broadway Debut

Following the end of Dynasty in 1989, Joan Collins took her talents to the stage. She made her Broadway debut in a revival of Noël Coward’s Private Lives (1990), which received positive reviews. She also appeared in various films and TV movies throughout the 1990s, including Decadence (1994) and Annie: A Royal Adventure! (1995). Her versatility in both drama and comedy allowed her to continue captivating audiences on multiple platforms.

2000s Acting and Return to Television

In the early 2000s, Joan Collins made a comeback to the big screen with The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000), where she played Wilma Flintstone’s mother, Pearl Slaghoople. She also appeared in the TV movie These Old Broads (2001), sharing the screen with Elizabeth Taylor, Debbie Reynolds, and Shirley MacLaine. Her return to television included roles in soap operas such as Guiding Light and reality series like Joan Collins Does Glamour.

2010s Acting Comeback

Joan Collins made a significant return to television during the 2010s, with roles in series such as Happily Divorced (2011–2013), Benidorm (2014–2017), and The Royals (2014–2018). She also starred in the independent film The Time of Their Lives (2017), her first leading role in a feature film since the 1980s. In 2018, she appeared in the popular horror anthology series American Horror Story: Apocalypse, portraying the glamorous yet cunning Evie Gallant and witch Bubbles McGee.

2020s Recent Work

In recent years, Joan Collins has continued to captivate audiences with her presence on screen. She co-starred in the 2020 film The Loss Adjuster and appeared in the historical drama miniseries Confess (2021). She has also participated in a number of interviews and documentaries, reflecting on her career and legacy in the entertainment industry.

Other Ventures

Joan Collins is an accomplished author, having written several best-selling novels, including Prime Time (1988) and Star Quality (2002). She has also released a memoir, Second Act (1997), and a self-help book titled Passion for Life (2004). Additionally, Joan is known for her charity work, supporting causes such as the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children), breast cancer research, and HIV/AIDS awareness.

Personal Life

Joan Collins has had a colorful personal life. She has been married five times, including to actors Maxwell Reed, Anthony Newley, and Ron Kass. Her third marriage to Newley produced two children, Tara and Alexander. Collins has openly discussed her experiences with relationships, fame, and the challenges she faced as a woman in Hollywood.

Political Views and Honours

Joan Collins has been an outspoken supporter of conservative political causes throughout her life. She is a vocal advocate for the British monarchy, having written articles in support of Queen Elizabeth II. In 2015, Joan was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to drama and charity.

Filmography and Theatre Performances

Joan Collins has an extensive list of film and television credits, including the following notable works:

• Land of the Pharaohs (1955)
• The Stud (1978)
• The Bitch (1979)
• Dynasty (1981-1989)
• The Time of Their Lives (2017)
• American Horror Story: Apocalypse (2018)

Conclusion

Joan Collins’ career is a testament to the power of perseverance, talent, and resilience. She has become an enduring figure in popular culture, known for her iconic roles in television and film, as well as her contributions to the arts. Whether as a glamorous diva on Dynasty or a dedicated philanthropist, Joan Collins’ impact on the entertainment industry remains significant. As she continues to share her expertise and passion, her legacy is sure to inspire generations to come.