You might’ve heard the story that Joan Collins was so strapped for cash before landing her iconic role as Alexis on Dynasty that producer Aaron Spelling had to foot her grocery bill. Joan herself denies it, but one thing's for sure: her role on that '80s nighttime soap opera catapulted her from an unemployed middle-aged actress to a global superstar. “To have survived and made an excellent living as an actress is something I’m truly proud of,” she says with a proud smile.
Joan Collins at 90: Still Going Strong
At 90 years young, Joan Collins continues to take on acting roles whenever the right opportunity presents itself. She’s not one to sit back and let age dictate her career. “There’s this outdated idea about getting older,” Joan explains passionately. “People are living longer and healthier lives these days. Why should we older folks be excluded from professions that can benefit from our experience and wisdom?” She gets downright fired up when asked about retirement. “Those of us who’ve grown older feel we deserve the chance to work in fields that value what older people bring to the table,” she insists.
Living the High Life with Percy Gibson
Married to theatrical producer Percy Gibson, Joan leads what she humorously calls “a gypsy life,” splitting her time between London, New York, and her summer retreat in the south of France. A close friend shares, “Joan will be the first to admit it’s expensive to keep up with her lifestyle. She enjoys the finer things in life—fine wine, designer clothes, and globetrotting adventures. If she can talk and walk, she has no plans to retire.” It’s clear Joan isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
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A Career That Began on the Stage
Born in London in 1933, Joan made her acting debut on stage at the tender age of nine. By 17, she was already working in the British film industry. Her striking dark hair, captivating gray eyes, and curvaceous figure often typecast her as the “bad girl” in her early roles. Even after moving to Los Angeles, where she was frequently cast as a seductive sexpot or rebellious teen, Joan initially felt frustrated by the lack of diversity in her roles. “But eventually, I just shrugged it off and got on with my work,” she recalls with a laugh.
Joan wasn’t one to be intimidated by Hollywood’s infamous casting couch culture. She developed a no-nonsense attitude that served her well. “Many times, I’d just laugh in their faces,” she shares. “It was a tough environment, but I grew accustomed to the rudeness of some Hollywood men.” Despite the challenges, Joan remained resilient.
A Rollercoaster Romance with Warren Beatty
Among the famous names who pursued her were Richard Burton and Frank Sinatra, but it was Warren Beatty who captured her heart. Their eyes met across a restaurant table where he was dining with Jane Fonda, and before long, they were living together. Their intense romance ended shortly after Joan became pregnant and decided not to have the baby. “Having a child at that point would have derailed my career,” she reflects. “I don’t regret my decision for a moment.”
'Dynasty' Changed Everything
Joan kept working steadily, but even after starring in over 50 films, she wasn’t exactly a household name—until Dynasty entered the scene. The show’s ratings soared after she joined the cast in 1981, but it took her a while to realize that Alexis was the role of a lifetime. “At the time, I thought I was just the latest flavor-of-the-month brunette,” she joked in 1982.
Though she never earned as much as her co-star John Forsythe, by 1985 Joan was pulling in a cool $1.5 million per season. Since then, she’s lived a life of luxury. “I consider myself very fortunate,” Joan admits. “But sometimes, you have to create your own luck, don’t you?”
