Joan Collins turns 90! From marrying her alleged abuser to finding love on 5th attempt, a look at 'Dynasty' star's life
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Joan Collins celebrated her 90th birthday on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. The British actress achieved remarkable success during the '80s with her iconic portrayal of the man-eating femme fatale Alexis Carrington in the hit series 'Dynasty'. This role catapulted her career to new heights, making her the highest-earning actress on television at the time and gracing numerous magazine covers.
Collins is frequently characterized as a super-rich, trashy, and hard-nosed maneater. In her biography 'Joan Collins: The Biography of an Icon' by Graham Lord, the portrayal of Collins goes beyond the expected depiction, revealing her endearing naivety and unwavering optimism. Lord delves into various aspects of Collins' personal life, providing extensive details on topics ranging from divorce settlements to intimate matters like penis sizes.
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Born in Paddington, England in 1933, the stunning actress has experienced a remarkable love life, having been married an astonishing five times. Delve further to discover the captivating men who captured the heart of this British beauty.
Maxwell Reed (1952-1956)
In 1952, Joan Collins entered her first marriage with Maxwell Reed, a notable Northern Irish actor who gained prominence after serving in the RAF and Merchant Navy during World War II. Reed's rise to fame as a performer began when he joined the renowned Rank Charm School at the age of 27 and made his film debut in the British production 'The Years Between' in 1946.
However, their marriage was far from blissful. It is alleged that Reed sexually assaulted Collins, and she felt compelled to marry him out of shame and obligation despite his success as a leading man, as per The Daily Beast. The couple separated only two years after their wedding and eventually divorced in 1956. Reed attempted to sue Collins for alimony but was unsuccessful in his pursuit.
Anthony Newley (1963-1971)
Collins entered her second marriage in 1963 with Anthony Newley, a British singer-songwriter. Their union lasted from 1963 to 1971 and they became parents to two children: daughter Tara and son Alexander. Anthony had a successful career as a songwriter, with several of his compositions charting in the Top 40. One notable hit was 'Feeling Good', which later became popular through Nina Simone's rendition. He also earned an Academy Award nomination for his film score in the 1971 movie 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory'.
Ron Kass (1972-1983)
Collins deviated from her previous pattern when she sought her third husband. Instead of a performer, she married Ron Kass, an accomplished American businessman. Although Kass was not directly involved in the entertainment industry, he had notable connections as a recording executive, film producer, and manager of 'The Beatles'. The couple exchanged vows in 1972, and that same year, Collins gave birth to their daughter, Katyana, leading to speculations that the marriage was motivated to avoid having a child out of wedlock. Kass and Collins remained together for more than a decade before eventually divorcing in 1983.
Peter Holm (1985-1987)
After her split from Kass, Collins remained single for a couple of years until she tied the knot with Peter Holm in 1985. Holm, a well-known Swedish playboy, and former Europop singer, had gained a reputation for his extravagant lifestyle and numerous romantic involvements. The marriage between Collins and Holm was tumultuous, to say the least. Only a year after their wedding in 1986, Collins pursued an annulment, and the divorce was finalized in 1987. The divorce proceedings became a highly publicized spectacle, with Holm even obtaining a restraining order against Collins.
Percy Gibson (2002-present)
Joan Collins found marital bliss on her fifth attempt! The actress exchanged vows with Percy Gibson in February 2002 at Claridge's Hotel in London. This union marked a significant gap between her fourth and fifth marriages. Gibson, who is 31 years younger than Collins, has primarily lived a private life away from the limelight. However, his career is closely linked to the entertainment industry. As a Hollywood producer, he has worked on notable films such as 'The Time of Our Lives' and 'Banksy's Coming to Dinner', as well as the TV show 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire'. Despite being born in Peru, Gibson obtained US citizenship as an adult.
