Few stars have maintained the same level of elegance, charisma, and public appeal over multiple decades quite like Joan Collins. Best known for her iconic role as the indomitable Alexis Carrington in the blockbuster 1980s soap opera Dynasty, Collins has long stood as a symbol of glamour, wit, and unapologetic ambition. But even for someone as notoriously confident as she is, the latest Instagram post—showing her at age 89 in a leopard-print one-piece swimsuit—has captured the world’s attention, sparking admiration, surprise, and conversation about age, beauty, and self-perception.
A True Hollywood Legacy
Born in London in 1933, Joan Collins began acting in the 1950s, becoming a familiar face in both British and American cinema. Yet nothing prepared the world for her ascent to megastar status in Dynasty (1981–1989), where her portrayal of scheming Alexis Carrington captivated viewers with every fur-lined gesture and sapphire-gloved stare. The character was a force of nature—dripping in diamonds, delivering epic one-liners, and redefining how television embraced strong, complex female villains.
Beyond the scripted drama, Collins brought her own larger-than-life energy to every red carpet, interview, and public appearance. She published bestselling books, launched beauty lines, and became a mentor for later generations—Irina Shayk sporting a Collins lipstick shade is no coincidence—transforming her career into a multi-faceted brand rooted in empowerment and self-expression.
A Surprise Instagram Moment
Fast forward to Christmas 2022, and the star once again made waves—not with a role, but with a series of vacation snapshots posted from her Beverly Hills home. Pictured lounging in a swimming pool alongside her husband, Percy Gibson, who is 32 years her junior, Collins confidently models a leopard-print swimsuit: retro, chic, and unmistakably her. Her hair is gracefully pulled up into a bun, oversized sunglasses conceal her gaze, and bright red lipstick and nails sparkle in the sunlight.
The image is more than a pretty snapshot—it’s a bold statement of vitality, self-acceptance, and playful elegance. And the internet—fans and media alike—ate it up. Comments praising her appearance poured in:
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“You look amazing in that leopard print swimsuit!”
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“You are fantastic!”
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“Wow, and at 91!”
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“Sexy at any age.”
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“My inspiration to not grow old and enjoy life to the fullest.”
Though the “Wow, and at 91!” comment reflects a little confusion about her age, the sentiment rings true: fans were in awe. Their admiration wasn’t rooted in shock or judgment, but rather in quiet celebration of someone who continues to defy expectations at every turn.
“Not Age, But How You Feel and Behave”
In interviews, Collins has consistently downplayed numerical age as anything more than a calendar measure. In one candid conversation, she wrote:
“I think it’s not age that matters, but how you look, feel and behave.”
Indeed, in her Christmas snapshots, she radiates something far more compelling than youth—vitality. She chooses boldness over blending in; confidence over caution. She dresses for pleasure, not for perception.
This mindset is deeply rooted in her life story. When Collins first turned 38, many in the industry labeled her “past her prime.” Yet this was the moment she seized control—reinventing herself, becoming a design house favorite, and ultimately crafting Alexis Carrington’s soap-opera resurgence. The term “old woman”? It infuriated her. But instead of retreating, she doubled down—embracing ambition, investing in herself, and laying the foundation for the decades-long relevance she enjoys today.
Why It Matters
There’s a deep well of cultural influence behind what seems like a lightweight celebrity moment. In a world obsessed with youthfulness—where aging is often hidden, sanitized, or treated like a failure—Joan Collins’ Instagram post is quietly revolutionary. She showed herself as she was, because she could. She has nothing to prove—but plenty to celebrate.
Her decision to share unfiltered images of herself enjoying a sunny afternoon is a breath of fresh air. It speaks to a changing cultural landscape where authenticity, rather than airbrushing, is gaining traction. When a beloved Hollywood legend embraces her present self with such unapologetic gusto, she validates a universal truth: growing older doesn’t mean fading away.
The Power of Reinvention
At 89, Collins still has her fair share of surprises. Her husband Percy—32 years younger—joins her in both life and leisure, reinforcing that age is increasingly just a number in relationships too. The pair, who married in 2002, regularly appear on talk shows and high-fashion events, exemplifying a modern love where mutual admiration transcends generations.
Even if fashion week, interviews, or public appearances don’t make headlines, Collins continues to redefine personal reinvention. From commanding a television drama to writing bestselling memoirs and partying in Beverly Hills, she’s shown that variety in passion can provide endless renewal.
From Dynasty Diva to Everyday Icon
A time-travel through Collins’ career reveals not inconsistency, but evolution. She’s moved effortlessly from silver-screen colonials to soap-star power plays, then to autobiography and social media. But the through-line remains: Joan Collins is unapologetically Joan Collins—regal, generous, and full of life.
And it’s that fearless authenticity that makes her latest photos so powerful. It’s not about flaunting what she has, but claiming what she is: a vibrant, playful, elegant woman—depthfully alive at 89.
Final Thought
Sharon Stone once shared, “It’s not about longevity; it’s about gratitude.” Joan Collins has made it her own mantra—not living just to tick off birthdays, but living in service to passion, creativity, and truth. The swimsuit photo isn’t about vanity—it’s about victory. A victory over stereotypes, over malevolent ageism, and over the false narratives that say boldness must fade with time.
So next time we hesitate before posting a no-filter selfie, or feel the age meeting coming, we might remember Collins. She reminds us to embrace our own narratives—to wear what thrills us, to speak openly about our wishes, and to give ourselves permission to shine, whatever our age.
Let’s not call it surprise. We’ve seen this play before—and we’ll see it again. When a star like Joan Collins offers a glimpse of life by her own terms, it’s not shocking. It’s simply magnificent.