Net Worth Ranker
What Is Joan Collins’ Net Worth?
Dame Joan Collins DBE, a celebrated English actress and author, boasts a net worth of $20 million. This figure reflects her decades-long career in entertainment and publishing, marked by iconic roles and successful ventures.
Joan Collins’ Career Highlights and Earnings
Joan Collins’ journey to a $20 million net worth began in the 1950s and 1960s with roles in films such as “Land of the Pharaohs.” However, her most significant financial and career breakthrough came with her portrayal of Alexis Carrington Colby in the 1980s primetime soap opera “Dynasty.” This role not only won her a Golden Globe Award in 1982, but also significantly boosted her earning potential. “Dynasty” ran for nine seasons, with Collins appearing in 195 out of 220 episodes, each episode contributing substantially to her income.
While specific per-episode salary figures for “Dynasty” are not publicly available, it’s understood that her salary increased substantially as the show’s popularity grew. It is estimated that towards the end of Dynasty’s run, Joan Collins was earning upwards of $100,000 per episode, a figure that, when adjusted for inflation, represents a considerable sum. This consistent income stream over nearly a decade played a pivotal role in accumulating her net worth.
Beyond “Dynasty,” Joan Collins has diversified her income through various acting roles in film and television, as well as through her writing career. Her novels and memoirs have often become bestsellers, contributing significantly to her earnings. Although exact figures for book royalties are not publicly disclosed, the success of her literary works has undoubtedly added to her financial portfolio.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Joan Henrietta Collins on May 23, 1933, in London, England, her early life provided a foundation for her future success. Her father, a talent agent representing notable figures like Shirley Bassey, the Beatles, and Tom Jones, exposed her to the entertainment industry early on. While her father’s success undoubtedly influenced her path, it was her own talent and determination that propelled her forward.
Joan attended the independent all-girls Francis Holland School in London. By the age of nine, she showcased her acting potential in Henrik Ibsen’s play “A Doll’s House.” At 16, she was already training as an actress at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, and a year later, she signed with the British film studio Rank Organization. These early steps laid the groundwork for her long and prosperous career.
Her film debut in 1951 with the comedy “Lady Godiva Rides Again” marked the start of her professional journey. She followed this with minor roles and a more prominent role in the 1952 drama “Judgement Deferred.” However, her breakthrough came with her third film in 1952, “I Believe in You.” This performance led the British press to label her as “Britain’s bad girl,” establishing her presence in the industry.
In 1953, Joan had a supporting role in England’s first X-rated film, “Decameron Nights,” and the sports drama “The Square Ring.” Simultaneously, she starred in plays around London, including “The Seventh Veil,” “Claudia and David,” and “The Skin of Our Teeth.” These roles expanded her acting skills and provided her with valuable experience.
In 1954, she was cast as a princess in the drama “Land of the Pharaohs,” a performance that earned her a seven-year contract with 21st Century Fox. Collins’ Hollywood debut came in 1955 with the historical drama “The Virgin Queen,” also starring Bette Davis. Later that year, she starred in “The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing.” Her leading role in the 1956 Golden Globe-nominated comedy musical “The Opposite Sex,” featuring Leslie Nielsen, further cemented her status. These early roles were crucial in building her reputation and financial stability.
Although she was initially considered for the role of Cleopatra in the 1960 film, the studio ultimately chose Elizabeth Taylor. This led Collins to drop out of “Sons and Lovers” and request a release from her contract with 21st Century Fox. Before leaving the studio in 1960, she agreed to star in the epic drama “Esther and the King.” While free from contractual obligations, Collins filmed the 1962 comedy musical “The Road to Hong Kong” with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. Following her marriage in 1963, she reduced her workload to focus on starting a family. In the late 1960s, she had minor roles in films and guest appearances on television shows such as “Star Trek” and “Mission: Impossible.”
In 1970, Joan returned to England and starred in a series of horror and thriller films. After shooting films in Italy and Spain, she returned to the UK and regained stardom with the film version of her sister Jackie Collins’ book “The Stud.” Produced on a budget of $600,000, the film grossed over $20 million internationally, revitalizing her career. With her career revived, she returned to the stage in London’s West End, starring in the 1980 production “The Last of Mrs. Cheyney.”
“Dynasty” and Beyond
In 1981, Collins moved back to the US to play Alexis Carrington Colby on the second season of “Dynasty.” Her addition is widely credited with turning the show into a success and dramatically improving its ratings. The show’s international popularity led to Collins receiving five Golden Globe nominations and a win in 1982. She was nominated for an Emmy in 1984 and received two People’s Choice Award nominations, winning Favorite Actress in 1985. These accolades came after over twenty years in the industry and significantly boosted her earnings and recognition.
During “Dynasty,” she starred in “The Nutcracker” and several made-for-television movies. She produced and starred in the 1986 CBS miniseries “Sins” and the miniseries “Monte Carlo” the following year. “Dynasty” concluded in 1989, though there was a reunion special in 1991. Collins returned to theater with a role in the Broadway play “Private Lives,” performing throughout the US and London’s West End. In the 1990s, she made guest appearances on television shows and acted in feature films, including the 1995 comedy “A Midwinter’s Tale,” the 1999 musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and the 1999 period comedy “The Clandestine Marriage.”
In the 2000s, she had brief recurring roles on “Guiding Light” and “Verbotene Liebe.” In the 2010s, she reappeared on mainstream television with prominent roles on “American Horror Story” and “The Royals.” These roles continued to contribute to her income and maintain her public profile.
Real Estate and Personal Assets
Joan Collins’ real estate portfolio has also contributed to her net worth. In 2007, she and her husband Percy Gibson purchased a large condo in West Hollywood, California, for $2.7 million. They listed this condo for sale in 2017 for $4.5 million and sold it soon after for $4.4 million, realizing a significant profit. Also in 2017, Collins purchased a condo in another part of Los Angeles for $2.1 million, listing it for sale in January 2021 for the same price. However, it is unknown if the condo was sold.
The specifics of her various homes, although not fully detailed publicly, indicate substantial investments in prime real estate locations. Percy and Joan’s villa in St. Tropez, France, could be worth $10+ million. The value of these properties reflects a portion of her $20 million net worth, demonstrating strategic investments in tangible assets.
Personal Life and Activities
Joan Collins has been married five times. Her first marriage was to Irish actor Maxwell Reed. She married English actor Anthony Newley in 1963 and had two children with him. She had a daughter with her third husband, businessman Ron Kass. After separating from Kass, Joan married Swedish pop star Peter Holm, followed by her fifth marriage to Percy Gibson in 2002. She maintains homes in New York City, Los Angeles, London, and France. While these personal details do not directly impact her net worth, they provide context to her lifestyle and financial decisions.
In August 2020, Joan stirred some online commotion after criticizing the lack of social distancing in St. Tropez. Just three months earlier, she publicly criticized the UK government’s mask mandates. Some people found her yacht post arrogant. Her willingness to voice her opinions underscores her active engagement with current events.
