Joan Collins Turns 93 in 2026: The Glamorous Dame Who Defined Dynasty and Timeless Style
As May 23, 2026, arrives, fans and admirers worldwide celebrate the 93rd birthday of Dame Joan Henrietta Collins, the legendary English actress, author, and cultural icon whose elegance, wit, and unapologetic glamour have captivated audiences for over seven decades. Born on May 23, 1933, in Paddington, London, Collins rose from postwar Britain to become one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars, best known as the scheming, fabulous Alexis Carrington Colby on the iconic soap opera Dynasty.
The daughter of a dance teacher mother and talent agent father (whose clients included The Beatles and Shirley Bassey), Collins trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She began her career in the 1950s with British films and quickly gained attention for her striking beauty and bold presence. Early roles in The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing (1955) and Island in the Sun (1957) established her as a sultry screen siren. After a stint in Hollywood and a return to Britain, she delivered memorable performances in films like The Stud (1978) and The Bitch (1979), based on her sister Jackie Collins’ novels.
Her defining role came in 1981 when she joined Dynasty as Alexis. With shoulder pads, sharp one-liners, and fierce rivalry against Linda Evans’ Krystle, Collins turned the show into a global phenomenon. Her portrayal of the glamorous villainess earned her a Golden Globe in 1983 and made her a household name. The series ran until 1989, but Collins continued to embody its lavish spirit long afterward.
Beyond acting, Collins is a prolific author of bestselling novels, memoirs, and beauty guides. She has also been a columnist and outspoken advocate for older women in entertainment. In 2026, she remains active, starring in the mystery film A Murder Between Friends and preparing to portray Wallis Simpson in the upcoming project The Bitter End. She continues making stylish public appearances, turning heads in leather and tartan outfits or zebra-print dresses that showcase her legendary legs.
Collins has been married five times. Her current and longest marriage is to producer Percy Gibson (28 years younger), whom she wed in 2002. The couple celebrated their 24th anniversary in February 2026 and remain devoted companions. She is a proud mother to three children—Tara Newley, Alexander (Sacha) Newley, and Katy Kass—and adores her four grandchildren.
Honored as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2015 for services to the arts and charity, Collins continues to inspire with her resilience, humor, and refusal to fade into the background. At 93, she defies age with vibrant style, sharp intellect, and boundless energy.
Happy 93rd Birthday, Dame Joan Collins! Thank you for the shoulder pads, the shade-throwing, the timeless glamour, and for proving that a true star only grows more fabulous with time. Long may you reign.
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