Joan Collins at 93: Four husbands, a love that led to abortion, and a man 30 years her junior

At 93, British actress Joan Collins continues to be a dazzling figure in Hollywood, recently gracing the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival as a guest of honor. Known for her stunning beauty and magnetic personality that has captivated audiences across generations, Collins has lived a life filled with intense romances, tumultuous marriages, and decades of headline-grabbing scandals.

Born in Paddington, London, on May 23, 1933, Collins has an extensive career, having starred in over 60 films and performed in more than 15 stage plays. However, she achieved global fame for her iconic portrayal of the villainous Alexis Colby in the television series "Dynasty." Her recent appearance at Cannes, where she stunned in a sculptural Stéphane Rolland gown, was alongside her husband, actor and producer Percy Gibson.

Collins's romantic life has been as dramatic as her on-screen roles. In her early twenties, during a relationship with actor Warren Beatty, she became pregnant. According to her memoirs, Beatty persuaded her to terminate the pregnancy, citing concerns that a child would derail their burgeoning careers. Collins later described this experience as one of the most painful episodes of her life.

Her first marriage was to actor Maxwell Reed in 1952, a union that reportedly became marked by conflict and abusive behavior. Following this difficult experience, Collins found love again with singer and actor Anthony Newley, becoming one of the most photographed couples of their time. Her life story is a testament to resilience, encompassing intense love affairs, challenging relationships, and a sustained presence in the public eye.

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She revealed years later that, when she was just over 20 years old, she became pregnant during her relationship with the then promising heartthrob. As she recounted in her memoirs, he asked her to interrupt the pregnancy, arguing that the arrival of a child would ruin their respective careers. The actress agreed and for a long time described that experience as one of the most painful episodes of her life.