Dame Joan Henrietta Collins is a British actress, author, and columnist who has become one of the most recognisable figures in television history. Born on 23 May 1933 in London, she rose to international fame in the 1980s for her portrayal of Alexis Carrington on the primetime soap opera Dynasty. With a career that spans more than seven decades, Collins has worked across film, television, and stage, and has also built a reputation as a bestselling writer.
Few stars have managed to sustain such a long and varied career. Collins began acting in the early 1950s and made her film debut at age 19. Her breakthrough came three decades later, when she took on the role that would define her public image. Off screen, her personal life has drawn nearly as much attention as her acting, with five marriages and three children making regular headlines.
As of 2026, Collins is 93 years old and continues to make public appearances. She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2015, cementing her status as both a cultural icon and a respected figure in British public life.
Who has Joan Collins married? A look at her spouses
Joan Collins at a Glance
Dame Joan Henrietta Collins
23 May 1933 (age 92 in 2025)
Actress, author, producer, columnist
Alexis Carrington Colby (Dynasty)
Joan Collins has been married five times, a fact that has been well documented across biographical sources. Her first marriage was to actor Maxwell Reed in 1952. The couple divorced in 1956. She then married actor and singer Anthony Newley in 1963. That marriage ended in 1971 and produced two of her three children.
Her third husband was Ron Kass, a music executive whom she married in 1972. They divorced in 1983, though some records list the year as 1984. In 1985 she married Swedish singer Peter Holm, but the union lasted only two years; they divorced in 1987. Since 2002, Collins has been married to theatre producer Percy Gibson, who remains her spouse. The age gap between them has been noted in media reports, but the couple has remained together for more than two decades.
Key insights on Joan Collins’ life and career
- Joan Collins is one of the longest‑serving actresses in British film and television, with a career spanning over 70 years.
- She rose to global fame in the 1980s as Alexis Carrington on the primetime soap opera Dynasty.
- Collins has been married five times; her current husband is Percy Gibson, whom she married in 2002.
- Beyond acting, she is a bestselling author and Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
- Her net worth, while not publicly disclosed, is widely estimated in the tens of millions from acting, writing, and endorsements.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 23 May 1933 |
| Birth Place | Paddington, London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Years Active | 1951–present |
| Spouse(s) | Maxwell Reed (1952–1956), Anthony Newley (1963–1971), Ron Kass (1972–1983), Peter Holm (1985–1987), Percy Gibson (2002–present) |
| Children | Tara Newley, Alexander Newley, Katyana Kass |
| Notable Works | Dynasty, The Stud, The Bitch, Empire of the Ants |
Joan Collins’ children: How many does she have and what are their names?
Collins has three children, according to multiple sources including Wikipedia and People magazine. Her first two children come from her marriage to Anthony Newley. Daughter Tara was born in 1963, followed by son Alexander in 1965. Her third child, daughter Katyana, was born during her marriage to Ron Kass.
The names of her children are publicly known, and some have pursued careers in the arts. Tara Newley, for instance, has worked as a singer and actress. Collins is also a grandmother of four, though details about her grandchildren are kept relatively private.
Joan Collins has three children: Tara and Alexander with Anthony Newley, and Katyana with Ron Kass. She has four grandchildren, though their names and ages are not widely publicised.
What is Joan Collins’ net worth?
An exact net worth figure for Joan Collins has not been independently verified. Her financial details are not part of any public filing or official disclosure, and estimates found online vary considerably. Some entertainment outlets place her net worth between $10 million and $30 million, but these numbers are speculative.
Her wealth has been accumulated through a combination of acting salaries, book royalties, and endorsement deals. Her role on Dynasty brought her substantial income during the 1980s, and she continued to earn from syndication and DVD sales. Her books, including novels and memoirs, have also contributed. Without a verified source, any specific number should be treated as an estimate rather than a confirmed fact.
No reliable, independently verified net worth figure exists for Joan Collins. Estimates from non‑official sources range from $10 million to $30 million, but these are not confirmed by Collins or her representatives.
How old is Joan Collins? Age, birth date, and early years
Joan Collins was born on 23 May 1933 in Paddington, London, England. As of 2026, she is 93 years old. Her age is one of the most searched biographical details about her, likely because she remains active and visible in public life well into her nineties.
Photographs of Collins from her younger years, particularly from the 1950s and 1960s, are widely available in archives and fan sites. Her official Instagram account occasionally posts throwback images from her early film career, offering a visual record of her transformation from a British film starlet to a Hollywood and television icon.
Joan Collins’ movies and TV shows: What is she most famous for?
Collins is best known internationally for playing Alexis Carrington on the ABC prime‑time soap opera Dynasty, which aired from 1981 to 1989. The role earned her a Golden Globe for Best TV Actress – Drama in 1982 and turned her into a household name. The character became a cultural phenomenon in the 1980s, and the series itself has been referenced and parodied ever since.
Before Dynasty, Collins appeared in a range of British and American films. Her early work includes The Woman’s Angle (1952) and I Believe in You (1952), both released the same year she made her film debut at age 19. She later appeared in films such as The Stud (1978), The Bitch (1979), and Empire of the Ants (1977). Over the decades, her career has spanned film, television, and stage. No complete, authoritative filmography was available in the sources used for this article, but her major credits are well established through sources such as Joan Collins on IMDb and Britannica entry for Joan Collins.
Collins played Alexis Carrington on Dynasty from 1981 to 1989. The role is widely considered the defining performance of her career and made her synonymous with 1980s television.
Timeline: Key moments in Joan Collins’ life
- 1933 — Born in Paddington, London.
- 1951 — Film debut in Lady Godiva Rides Again.
- 1952 — Marries first husband Maxwell Reed.
- 1963 — Marries Anthony Newley; gives birth to daughter Tara.
- 1965 — Birth of son Alexander Newley.
- 1972 — Marries Ron Kass; birth of daughter Katyana.
- 1981 — Begins role as Alexis Carrington on Dynasty.
- 1982 — Wins Golden Globe for Best TV Actress – Drama.
- 1993 — Stars in TV film The Return of Ironside; publishes novel Prime Time.
- 2002 — Marries Percy Gibson, her fifth and current husband.
- 2015 — Appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
- 2026 — Turns 93; continued career appearances anticipated.
What is known and what remains unclear about Joan Collins?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Birth date, birthplace, and family details (spouses, children) are well documented. | Net worth is not independently verified; estimates vary between $10 million and $30 million. |
| Career milestones and filmography are publicly available. | Specific future projects (e.g., 2026) are speculative; no confirmed announcements. |
| Her current marital status and official title (Dame) are confirmed. | Some details about early marriages and personal finances remain private. |
Why does Joan Collins remain relevant after so many decades?
Joan Collins’ enduring appeal stems from her ability to reinvent herself. She started as a British film starlet in the 1950s, later became an American television icon in the 1980s, and has since maintained a public profile through writing, social media, and occasional acting roles. Her portrayal of Alexis Carrington set the template for the modern TV villainess and earned her a Golden Globe as well as a permanent place in pop culture history.
Her personal life has been as eventful as her on‑screen roles. Five marriages and a high‑profile divorce from Peter Holm kept her in the headlines for decades. Despite intense tabloid scrutiny, she has maintained a dignified public image and continues to work into her nineties.
As a Dame, she represents a rare combination of celebrity and royal honour. Her Joan Collins official website and social media channels emphasise her active brand, but often lack the deep factual detail that search users need. This gap creates an opportunity for comprehensive, question‑driven content that brings together verified biographical information in one place.
Sources and key quotes about Joan Collins
“I’m not a bad girl. I’m a good girl who has been misunderstood.”
— Joan Collins in a 1985 interview (attributed in multiple articles)
“Joan Collins is first and foremost an actress, but she is also a best‑selling author and an accomplished producer.”
“Dame Joan Henrietta Collins is an English actress, author and columnist.”
What does the future hold for Joan Collins?
As of early 2026, no new acting roles or major public appearances have been formally announced for Collins. She released a memoir titled Behind the Shoulder Pads in 2023, and it is possible that another book could follow. She remains active on social media, where she shares glimpses of her personal life and career memories. Fans and journalists alike will be watching for any announcements about future projects, but for now, no confirmed plans have been made public.
Frequently asked questions about Joan Collins
What happened to Joan Collins in 1993?
In 1993, Joan Collins starred in the television film The Return of Ironside and published the novel Prime Time. She also continued to make guest appearances on talk shows and charity events.
How old will Joan Collins be in 2026?
Born on 23 May 1933, Joan Collins will be 93 years old in 2026 (until her birthday in May).
Are there any recent photos of Joan Collins when she was young?
Yes, many archives and fan sites share photos of Joan Collins from the 1950s and 1960s, including during her early film career. Her official Instagram account occasionally posts throwback pictures.
Who is Joan Collins’ current husband?
Joan Collins has been married to theatre producer Percy Gibson since 2002. He is her fifth husband.
How many times has Joan Collins been married?
Joan Collins has been married five times: to Maxwell Reed, Anthony Newley, Ron Kass, Peter Holm, and Percy Gibson.
Does Joan Collins have any grandchildren?
Yes, Joan Collins has four grandchildren, though their names and ages are not widely publicised.
What is Joan Collins’ most famous role?
She is best known for playing Alexis Carrington on the television series Dynasty, which aired from 1981 to 1989.
Has Joan Collins written any books?
Yes, she has written several novels and memoirs, including Prime Time (1993) and Behind the Shoulder Pads (2023).
What award did Joan Collins win for Dynasty?
She won a Golden Globe for Best TV Actress – Drama in 1982 for her performance as Alexis Carrington.
When did Joan Collins become a Dame?
She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2015.
Oliver Arthur Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for StoryShift.uk, covering UK news, culture, politics and technology. He works under Editor-in-Chief Maarika Tamm and UK Managing Editor Oliver Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.