Jackie Collins

English-born novelist, actress, narrator, and singer. Collins started her career as a singer in the 1950s, whilst also playing roles in films and TV programmes, including The Saint, Dangerman, and All At Sea; in which she performed alongside Alec Guinness. Tired of being referred to as Joan Collins' sister she changed her name in 1959 to Lynn Curtis, but had returned to her real name by 1961. She moved to America, becoming a dual national in 1960 (British/American), and continued with her career, but chose, with the help of her 2nd husband (Lerman), to follow her childhood dream of becoming an author. The first of her 32 novels was published in 1968 and was an immediate success. She would go on to sell over 500 million copies in 40 countries. Collins was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), in 2013. She is the younger sister of Dame Joan Collins, and the daughter of Joe Collins, a theatrical agent. Born: 4th October 1937, in Hampstead, London, England. Died: 19th September 2015, in Beverly Hills, California, USA. [breast cancer, aged 77]