Joan Collins (1933-), Actress

Joan Henrietta Collins

Sitter in 12 portraits
Born in London, Joan Collins is the daughter of theatrical agent Joe Collins (the one-time partner of Lord Grade) and older sister of novelist Jackie Collins. She trained at RADA, made her stage debut in 1946 in The Dolls House and film debut in Lady Godiva Rides Again (1951). Made her Hollywood debut in the Howard Hawks directed Land of the Pharaohs (1955). In 1981 she enjoyed critical and popular success in the role of Alexis Carrington Colby in the long running television series Dynasty. Her autobiography Past Imperfect was first published in 1978 (revised 1984) and was followed by Second Act in 1996. Collins was awarded an OBE in 1997.