Joan Collins, a well-known English actress, was born on May 23, 1933, in London, England. She was the eldest child of Elsa, a former nightclub hostess, and Joseph, a South African talent agent. Growing up during the tumultuous time of World War II, Joan’s early years were deeply affected by the conflict, though she was too young to fully understand the events leading up to it. The war left a lasting impact on her education and childhood, but it didn’t prevent her from becoming one of the most iconic actresses of her time.
Joan’s family, like many others in London, had to seek shelter from the German bombings. They frequently took refuge in the Underground tube stations, and Joan recalls these times vividly. In a May 2020 interview, she recounted the war’s effect on her family and her childhood. Her father, Joseph, had to stay in London during the war, as his job involved entertaining those who remained in the city. Meanwhile, Joan, her siblings, and their mother were evacuated multiple times, moving from place to place to stay safe. Despite the challenges of being constantly displaced, Joan was grateful to have her mother with them during such a chaotic time. She remembers the sense of community in the Underground shelters, where people would bring accordions and sing, trying to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos.
One of the most notable aspects of Joan’s story is how she overcame these difficult circumstances to rise to fame. Despite the disruption to her schooling and the instability of her childhood, Joan’s passion for acting was ignited at a young age. Her grandmother played a significant role in nurturing this passion, teaching her how to sing, tap dance, and even do splits. Encouraged by her grandmother, Joan pursued her dream of acting, despite her father’s warnings that she would not be relevant in the industry beyond the age of 23. Fortunately, Joan defied all expectations and went on to have a long and successful career in show business.
Joan Collins became a household name after starring in the popular 1981 drama series “Dynasty,” where she shared the screen with Linda Evans. Her role in the series cemented her status as a leading actress, and her career continued to thrive in the years that followed. However, her personal life was far more tumultuous. Joan was engaged to actor Warren Beatty when she was 26 years old and became pregnant with his child. Warren, concerned about the potential impact on their careers, urged her to terminate the pregnancy. Joan later admitted that, although she was initially hesitant, she came to agree with his decision. While Joan’s relationship with Beatty did not lead to marriage, she would go on to marry four times throughout her life.
Today, Joan Collins is happily married to her fifth husband, Percy Gibson. The couple has been together since February 2002, and despite their significant age difference—Joan is 90 years old, while Percy is 32 years younger at 58—the two share a deep and enduring bond. Joan has often spoken about her admiration for Percy, calling him the most honorable man she’s ever met. The couple first met in 2000 when Joan was performing in a play in New York City, and Percy was working as a producer. Despite their different stages in life—Joan in her 60s and Percy in his 30s—they fell in love and have been inseparable ever since.
Joan’s life story is a testament to resilience and determination. From her challenging childhood during the war to her rise as a Hollywood star, she has faced numerous obstacles but has always emerged stronger. Now at 90, she continues to thrive, enjoying life with her devoted husband by her side.