Dame Joan Henrietta Collins DBE (born 23 May 1933 in Paddington, London) is an English actress, author, and columnist celebrated for her iconic role as Alexis Colby in Dynasty (1981–1989). Awarded a Golden Globe and recognized for philanthropy and literary work, she remains active in entertainment and public life into her 90s.
Age & Background (Age & Ethnicity)
Born to Elsa (née Bessant), a dance teacher, and Joseph William Collins, a talent agent of Jewish heritage (his clients included Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones), Joan grew up in a blend of South African-Jewish and Anglican English culture. Educated at RADA and debuting on screen at age nine, she launched a career spanning theater, film, and television that continues into 2025—making her 92 years old this year.
Family & Personal Life (Family)
Joan has three adult children:
- Tara Newley (born 12 October 1963) — writer and columnist
- Alexander “Sacha” Newley (born 8 September 1965) — memoirist and portrait artist displayed at the Smithsonian
- Katyana Kass (born 20 June 1972) — private, survived a serious childhood accident that affected Jennifer’s third marriage.
Since 2002, she’s been married to Percy Gibson, whom she met while performing Love Letters. The couple have no children together, and she has four grandchildren from her adult children.
Career & Iconic Roles (Career)
Film & Early Work (1950s–1970s)
Collins rose to stardom after her early roles in British films such as Lady Godiva Rides Again (1951), Judgment Deferred (1952), and The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing (1953). She gained international fame through hits like The Stud (1978) and The Bitch (1979), adapting her sister Jackie Collins’s novels into screen success.
Dynasty & Television Legacy
As Alexis Colby, Joan brought star power to Dynasty, earning a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in 1983 and an Emmy nomination in 1984. Her presence turned the show into a global phenomenon and elevated her as a symbol of glamorous, powerful women on screen.
Later TV & Stage Appearances
She continued her career with prominent roles in series like Benidorm (2014–17), The Royals (2015–18), and American Horror Story: Apocalypse (2018). In 2021 she starred in Glow and Darkness and in 2025 she began filming as Wallis Simpson in The Bitter End.
Writing, Philanthropy & Literary Influence (Facts)
Joan is a prolific author, with over 50 million books sold in 30 languages. Her titles include Past Imperfect, Passion for Life, Prime Time, and several memoirs and lifestyle books. A dedicated philanthropist, she championed children’s charities, neurological research, and was honoured as a Dame in 2015 for her services to drama and charity.
Social Media Presence in 2025 (Followers)
Her official Instagram @joancollinsdbe features 574K followers, over 2,500 posts, and regular engagement from fans aged across generations. Recent posts reflect her sartorial elegance and event appearances in 2025, such as her 4th July glamour messages and Pride Month reels garnering ~7–8K likes.
Net Worth & Financial Overview (Net Worth)
Estimated Net Worth
Estimates from Celebrity Net Worth and sources like TheRichest and SlideShare place Joan’s net worth between $20 million to $30 million USD—a figure consistent across reputable biographical summaries.
Sources of Income
Her wealth derives from decades of acting (Dynasty, films, TV guest roles), bestselling books, speaking engagements, royalties and property holdings (she owns residences in Belgravia, Beverly Hills, and Saint-Tropez). Her twin careers as a writer and actress have contributed substantially to this estate.
Highlights & Legacy Achievements (Facts)
- Caroline named first British actress inducted into the Nightclub Hall of Fame? Actually she served widely in philanthropy and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1983, and earned a DBE in 2015 for her charitable services.
- Even at age 91–92, she continues to attend high-profile events, such as the BFI Gala in October 2024, and remains a fashion figure—always accompanied by her husband Percy Gibson, who complements her timeless style.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dame Joan Henrietta Collins DBE |
| Date of Birth | 23 May 1933 |
| Age (2025) | 92 years old |
| Nationality/Ethnicity | English (South African-Jewish father; English Anglican mother) |
| Key Roles | Alexis Colby (Dynasty), etc. |
| Children | Tara, Alexander, Katyana |
| Marital Status | Married to Percy Gibson since 2002 |
| Instagram Followers | ~574K (@joancollinsdbe) |
| Net Worth Estimate | $20M–$30M USD |
| Major Income Sources | TV/film earnings, books, royalties, property |
| Notable Honours | Golden Globe, OBE, Dame Commander (DBE) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Conclusion
Dame Joan Collins exemplifies a rare longevity in fame, constantly redefining herself from British film star to television icon and literary figure. With net worth estimated at $20–30 million, she continues to live a glamorous, philanthropic and creative life well into her ninth decade. Her influence spans screen, stage, page, and social advocacy, highlighting resilience, elegance, and enduring talent.
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