Jackie Collins, a name synonymous with glamour, intrigue, and the quintessential Hollywood lifestyle. This British-born author, screenwriter, and actress took the world by storm with her sizzling novels that held readers spellbound with their vivid portrayal of the rich and famous. The talented writer penned over 30 novels, sold over 500 million copies worldwide, and left an indelible mark on the literary scene. We delve into the fascinating life of Jackie Collins, her early days, and her impressive net worth, which stands testament to her massive success in the world of entertainment.
Net Worth: $180 Million
Date of Birth: Oct 4, 1937
Place of Birth: London, England
Gender: Female
Profession: Writer, Film Producer, Actor, Author, Screenwriter
Jackie Collins Early Life
Born on October 4, 1937, in London, England, Jacqueline Jill Collins was the younger sister of the famed actress, Joan Collins. Their father, Joseph William Collins, was a theatrical agent, while their mother, Elsa Bessant, was a dance teacher. Growing up in a family steeped in the arts, it was only natural for Jackie to develop a strong affinity for literature and showbiz.
Jackie’s rebellious streak manifested early in her life, and she was expelled from school at the tender age of 15. However, that didn’t deter the young woman from pursuing her dreams. Armed with determination and an undying love for storytelling, Jackie left England for Hollywood in the 1950s. It was during this time that she began her acting career, which included appearances in various British B-movies.
Although acting was a significant part of Jackie’s life, it was writing that truly captured her heart. She began penning her first novel, “The World is Full of Married Men,” in the mid-1960s, and by 1968, it was published to much controversy and success. Jackie’s no-holds-barred approach to writing about the scandalous lives of the rich and famous struck a chord with readers worldwide. This novel marked the beginning of a prolific writing career that spanned nearly five decades.
Jackie Collins Personal Life
Jackie Collins was fiercely private about her personal life, despite her penchant for writing about the intimate details of others. However, glimpses of her life outside the spotlight reveal a woman who loved deeply and experienced her share of heartaches.
In 1960, she married her first husband, Wallace Austin, with whom she had a daughter named Tracy. Unfortunately, their marriage was short-lived, and the couple divorced in 1964. Jackie attributed the failure of her first marriage to her husband’s drug addiction and the pressures of a young family.
In 1965, Jackie found love again with her second husband, Oscar Lerman, a nightclub owner. The couple had two daughters, Tiffany and Rory. Jackie and Oscar shared a loving and supportive relationship that lasted until his death from prostate cancer in 1992. After Oscar’s passing, Jackie never remarried, but she was linked to several high-profile relationships, including one with the late Hollywood producer Frank Calcagnini.
Jackie Collins Career
Jackie Collins’ career was nothing short of extraordinary. After her initial success with “The World is Full of Married Men,” she went on to write numerous bestselling novels that captivated readers around the world. Her career can be divided into several notable phases:
Early novels (1968-1980): Jackie’s early novels primarily focused on the scandalous lives of her characters. She gained notoriety for her candid portrayal of sexual relationships and the dark side of fame. During this period, she penned books such as “The Love Killers,” “Lovers and Gamblers,” and “Sinners.”
The Santangelo Saga (1981-2014): Perhaps Jackie’s most famous works are the nine novels that make up the Santangelo Saga, which revolves around the lives of the powerful Santangelo family. The series began with the novel “Chances,” and the character of Lucky Santangelo quickly became an icon in popular culture. Jackie continued the series with books like “Lady Boss,” “Vendetta: Lucky’s Revenge,” and “Confessions of a Wild Child.”
Hollywood Series (1983-2001): Jackie’s Hollywood series, starting with “Hollywood Wives,” delved into the lives of the rich and famous in Tinseltown. The series’ success led to the creation of other popular novels such as “Hollywood Husbands” and “Hollywood Kids.”
Madison Castelli series (2002-2012): The Madison Castelli series, starting with “L.A. Connections,” follows the life of investigative journalist Madison Castelli as she uncovers scandals and mysteries in the entertainment industry.
Jackie Collins Net Worth
As one of the most successful authors of her time, Jackie Collins amassed an impressive net worth of approximately $180 million during her lifetime. This staggering figure is a testament to her talent and relentless work ethic, and she became one of the wealthiest authors in the world. Let’s break down how she amassed her fortune.
- Book Sales: Jackie’s novels were well-received by her readers, and her global book sales exceeded 500 million copies. Some of her best-selling books include “Hollywood Wives,” “Lucky,” and “Chances.” She earned a considerable amount of her net worth through her book sales.
- Adaptations: Several of Jackie’s books were adapted into movies, television series, and miniseries, which further contributed to her fortune. For instance, “Hollywood Wives” was made into a successful miniseries, and “The Stud” and “The Bitch,” both starring her sister Joan Collins, became box-office hits.
- Real Estate: Jackie had a keen eye for real estate investments, which was a significant source of her wealth. Her most notable property was her opulent Beverly Hills mansion, which was reportedly worth around $30 million.
- Merchandising: Jackie was a shrewd businesswoman and capitalized on her fame by venturing into merchandising. She had her line of perfume, accessories, and even a one-time-only fashion collection.
