Life lessons from the inimitable Dame Joan Collins

The Dynasty actor has taught us a thing or two about more than just shoulder pads over the years

Step into the world of timeless elegance, captivating grace, and unparalleled talent as we pay homage to a true icon of the silver screen.

Join us on a journey through the extraordinary life and career of Dame Joan Collins as we celebrate her 90th birthday, a remarkable milestone for an unparalleled force in the entertainment industry.

With a career that has spanned over seven decades, Dame Joan Collins has become synonymous with glamour, charisma, and a commanding presence both on and off the screen. From her early beginnings in the British film industry to her meteoric rise to international stardom, she has left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions around the globe.

Beyond her on-screen prowess, Dame Joan Collins has also become an emblem of strength and resilience, facing triumphs and tribulations with unwavering grace. Through the years, she has been an inspiring advocate for women’s empowerment, demonstrating a steadfast determination to challenge conventions and redefine societal norms.

Known for her searing wit, brutal honesty and dedication to glamour, Joan Collins is nothing short of a legend.

Joan Collins became the queen of soap operas in the 1980s

Dame Joan Collins became a global superstar in the 1980s for playing Alexis Colby in Dynasty, and has since gone on to write numerous books and star in TV show American Horror Story.

These are just some of the lessons we can take from her life…

Always speak your mind

Collins has cultivated a somewhat outrageous reputation

Collins isn’t exactly known for beating around the bush – instead, she can be relied upon to say exactly what she’s thinking.

Whether it’s talking politics, technology or other celebrities, Collins is a true advocate for speaking your mind.

While Collins’ candour is often celebrated, it’s not always advisable to be quite as honest as she is. The actor is no stranger to courting controversy – particularly when bemoaning what she’s called ‘political correctness’.

You can never be overdressed

One thing Collins shares with her on-screen character Alexis is a love of OTT fashion. In the Eighties, her style was all glitz, glamour and shoulder pads – and not much has changed since.

Needless to say, Collins isn’t a fan of casual dressing, telling Vogue: “Nobody dresses up anymore. If you do, then people stare at you, or make cutting remarks… well, maybe not cutting, but they’ll say something like, ‘Oh, look at you! You’re all dressed up.’

“I find that very sad, because it will be the end of women buying elegant clothes in stores. Everybody’s going to end up in jeans and T-shirts, which I think is tragic.”

Collins continues to be a style icon well into her 80s, and was the face of Valentino’s 2019 Christmas campaign. While the camp theme of the 2019 Met Gala was pretty much made for Collins, who stormed the red carpet in a frothy, feathered white gown.

Never settle

Collins’ personal life is well documented, including her five marriages. Before settling down with producer Percy Gibson in 2002, she was married to film star Maxwell Reed, actor and singer-songwriter Anthony Newley, record producer Ron Kass and singer Peter Holm.

The actor wrote for The Daily Mail she doesn’t “have the makings of a top relationship counsellor”, but describes her marriage as “thriving, happy and still in love”. Her top tip for a blissful relationship is simple: separate bathrooms.

Dedicate yourself to charity

Dame Joan Collins was made a dame in 2015

Collins was made a dame for her services to charity in the 2015 New Year Honours. Some of the charities she supports include the NSPCC, The National Center for Learning Disabilities and The Shooting Star Children’s Hospice.

She particularly dedicates her time to causes involving children and breast cancer, and in 1994 was given the lifetime achievement award by the Association of Breast Cancer Studies.

In 2016 Collins told PA: “I also feel very strongly that cancer is something that hits people. One in three people are going to get cancer so it’s very important to try and find a cure.”

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