Dame Joan Collins, born on May 23, 1933, in London, England, has led a career that spans over 75 years. From the stage to the screen to a pen in hand, she has mastered the art forms that we all admire. Born the eldest of three children to a theatrical agent father and dance teacher mother, Collins started her acting career in a 1946 stage production of 'A Doll's House' in London while studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. In 1955, she signed with 20th Century Fox and starred in three films that same year: 'The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing,' 'The Virgin Queen,' and 'Land of the Pharaohs.' Her first appearance on screen, however, was in an uncredited role in the 1951 movie 'Lady Godiva Rides Again.' Collins has had roles in dozens of movies and TV shows, though her most notable TV show role remains Alexis Crosby in the critically-acclaimed soap opera 'Dynasty,' which earned her two 'Outstanding Villainess' Soap Opera Digest Awards. The Golden Globe and People's Choice Award winner began her writing journey with her 1978 memoir, 'Past Imperfect: An Autobiography.' Today, she has penned over 15 books, both fiction and nonfiction. In addition to her successful acting career, Collins is a dedicated philanthropist, donating to charities for finding a cure for breast cancer and to various children's organizations. For her charity work, she was awarded damehood by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015 after being named Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1997. Look back at her incredible life and career.