If the word icon didn’t already exist, it would have been invented for Dame Joan Collins. She encapsulates so many of the attributes – timeless Hollywood glamour, extraordinary style, sophistication and a zest for life that most of us can only dream about.
Depending on when you were born, you’ll either know Joan, 88, as the wide-eyed 1950s ingénue, the actress who starred in her sister Jackie Collins’ saucy 70s movie The Stud, Dynasty’s conniving villain Alexis Colby in the 80s, tonguein-cheek Crystal Hennessey-Vaas from Benidorm or Evie Gallant in American Horror Story: Apocalypse. And in between all her acting roles, she’s written several memoirs and novels.
Born Joan Henrietta Collins in Paddington, London in 1933, Joan was the daughter of a dance teacher and a talent agent. Since showbiz was in her blood, she made her stage debut at the age of nine and studied at RADA when she was 16. Three years later she was signed to British film studio the Rank Organisation.
Her first movie role came in 1951, as a beauty contestant in Lady Godiva Rides Again, and her Hollywood screen debut was in The Virgin Queen in 1955.
This story is from the August 02, 2021 edition of OK! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 02, 2021 edition of OK! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
TALES TO TELL - 'There are amazing women doing incredible things...we don't hear their stories'
Journalist Louise Minchin shares her passion for adventure as she celebrates kindred spirits across the globe
KEYS TO SUCCESS - 'We were worried people would turn up in ballgowns
Claudia Winkleman on making a second series of The Piano, being enthralled by \"poetic\" performances and why she's not allowed to sing at home
KEEPING IT REAL - JUST SHAKE WHAT YOU'VE GOT!'
Judi Love and Helen Skelton open up to OK! on why fashion should be fun, learning to love our bodies and working with Gok Wan on their new campaign celebrating midlife women
STYLE AND SUBSTANCE - 'I DON'T EVER TAKE A MOMENT OF THIS FOR GRANTED'
Zara McDermott already has TV documentaries and a stint on Strictly under her belt - now she's venturing into fashion with a new range
CLASS ACTS - THRILLING SCENES AT THEATRE AWARDS
A host of stars took centre stage for the Olivier Awards 2024 as the glittering event honoured the best in the business from performance to production
ON HER SOAPBOX - 'Something happens when you hit 40. You realise life is short'
Emmerdale’s Roxy Shahidi on her fears about her latest project, protecting her child from publicity, and how a milestone birthday made her take on new challenges
BABY JOY - We're soulmates, but this has brought it to a whole other level'
Real Housewives Of Cheshire newbie Paige Chohan and her husband Amir open up on the magic of welcoming their first child
HOST WITH THE MOST - I adore Stephen but there's no romance'
TV favourite Josie Gibson chats about being linked to every man she's spotted with, being naive during her first stint on reality TV and what it felt like being separated from her son for I'm A Celeb
WILLIAM'S HEARTFELT PROMISE FOR KATE
As the Prince and Princess of Wales approach their wedding anniversary, William displays his commitment and devotion
THRIFT SHOP THRILLS
SECOND HAND STYLE GURU JEN GRAHAM SPEAKS TO OK! ABOUT BREAKING THE STIGMA ATTACHED TO CHARITY SHOPS AND WHY EVERYONE SHOULD CONSIDER SHOPPING PRE-LOVED
