Immigrant of the Day: Joan Collins (UK)

Joan Henrietta Collins (born May 23, 1933) is an actress and bestselling author. She is most widely known for her role as Alexis Carrington in the 1980s primetime soap opera Dynasty.

Born in London, Collins early in her career became well known for her romances with leading men. Her career changed dramatically when she was accepted a role in the then-struggling prime time TV soap opera Dynasty (1981-89). Collins played the role of tycoon Blake Carrington’s vengeful ex-wife. The role of Alexis Carrington successfully relaunched Collins as a powerful sex symbol and icon of independence. In 1985, Dynasty was the #1 show in the US, and Collins went on to become the highest-paid actress on television at the time.

Collins has lived, at different times, in London and Los Angeles. In 2001 Collins sold her Los Angeles penthouse, moving to Manhattan. She now divides her time between New York City, London, and a seaside village in the South of France.

KJ