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Second Act
Joan Collins is a legendary beauty whose glittering stage and film careers have made her name synonymous with fame. Out of the spotlight, the drama and excitement of Joan Collins's personal life rival the plot of a Hollywood blockbuster. In Second Act, she tells her own story with striking candor and wonderful anecdotes full of insight and humor.
With her family's roots in entertainment, Joan Collins seemed destined for stardom, but it took more than looks and talent to rise to the top. Drawing on the courage and willingness to work hard that are hallmarks of her success, she left the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London to try her hand at film and then gambled on Hollywood, where her rise was spectacular. She has starred in countless roles in film, television, and theater, from The Virgin Queen—where she was not one of Bette Davis's favorite ladies-in-waiting—to The Girl in a Red Velvet Swing, The Last Mrs. Cheney, Private Lives, and of course, Dynasty, where she played shrewdly calculating Alexis Carrington. She has been a television film producer, and as a bestselling novelist she won a landmark legal victory over her publisher, Random House. Married four times, she talks about her husbands, her high-profile love affairs, and her relationship with her sister, world-renowned novelist Jackie Collins. Joan Collins has worked and played with the most celebrated producers, directors, and actors, and she discusses how her personal and professional lives have been crucially intertwined. Follow up Second Act with Past Imperfect and My Unapologetic Diaries to read more about Joan Collins's exciting life.
Out of the spotlight, the drama and excitement of Joan Collins' life rivals the plot of the most compelling Hollywood blockbuster. Now, in Second Act, Joan Collins tells her own story with striking candor and wonderful anecdotes full of insight and wit. Compulsively readable.—Sunday Telegraph.
With her family's roots in entertainment, Joan Collins seemed destined for stardom, but it took more than looks and talent to rise to the top. Drawing on the courage and willingness to work hard that are hallmarks of her success, she left the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London to try her hand at film and then gambled on Hollywood, where her rise was spectacular. She has starred in countless roles in film, television, and theater, from The Virgin Queen—where she was not one of Bette Davis's favorite ladies-in-waiting—to The Girl in a Red Velvet Swing, The Last Mrs. Cheney, Private Lives, and of course, Dynasty, where she played shrewdly calculating Alexis Carrington. She has been a television film producer, and as a bestselling novelist she won a landmark legal victory over her publisher, Random House. Married four times, she talks about her husbands, her high-profile love affairs, and her relationship with her sister, world-renowned novelist Jackie Collins. Joan Collins has worked and played with the most celebrated producers, directors, and actors, and she discusses how her personal and professional lives have been crucially intertwined. Follow up Second Act with Past Imperfect and My Unapologetic Diaries to read more about Joan Collins's exciting life.
Out of the spotlight, the drama and excitement of Joan Collins' life rivals the plot of the most compelling Hollywood blockbuster. Now, in Second Act, Joan Collins tells her own story with striking candor and wonderful anecdotes full of insight and wit. Compulsively readable.—Sunday Telegraph.
585 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1988
72 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Joan Collins
83 books97 followersJoan Henrietta Collins, OBE is a Golden Globe Award-winning English actress and bestselling author.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 19, 2014
This was a fun followup to her first book "Past Imperfect" really loved it and all the juicy stories she tells in both books. She has had/has a hell of a life and I hope there will be another book or two to come.
February 13, 2024
a good book about joan collins
June 15, 2023
Poorly written, rambling list of famous people Joan Collins knew and productions she was in with few stories of any depth attached to them. It's like she hired someone to dig up who appeared at every party she ever attended or every movie she was in, then just printed the lists with a few snide comments.
Ironically, she starts the book with a snotty summary of Random House suing her for turning in a book manuscript that they claimed "had no beginning, middle or end." And I would say that most of the fake "stories" in this book are the same--simply details without saying much of anything else and often no middle or end.
There are exceptions and when Collins wants to slam someone she has no problem holding back. But she gushes at the oddest times, making hyperbolic claims about people who were the best in the world or the biggest names in Hollywood. It gets tiring to encounter the constant namedropping with so few details or real stories.
She also makes sure to mention the men she slept with or who propositioned her but there seems to be some confusion about dates and chronologies, with her claiming all media reports were wrong and that she was "separated" or "done with" a husband/boyfriend while away bedding another famous or rich guy. She also does a horrible job explaining the bizarre foursome of herself with fiancé Warren Beatty and married couple Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood, where they went from being pals to switching partners.
Collins has an over-healthy self-image and throughout the book calls herself not only beautiful but even makes claims to be the "most beautiful" in Hollywood, England, and on the list of the prettiest in the world. She certainly has the makeup, hair, and wardrobe team to thank for most of her attractiveness. Since she was raised by a rich dad in a theatrical family, she grew up thinking she was better than others.
Her co-author or ghost writer did a poor job including all sorts of things that have nothing to do with Joan Collins, trying to include pop culture references for different eras. There were a few mistakes and too many tangential references. Are we really supposed to believe that Joan Collins has an opinion and memory of meeting a minor Hollywood has-been 40 years ago? Or of knowing the other productions that character actors had appeared in?
There are about 20 pages on Dynasty but her feelings about the show might have been reflected on the photo pages of the edition I read, where she includes shots of the horrible Can Hieronymus Merkin, Land of the Pharaohs, Our Girl Friday, Road to Hong Kong and even her appearance on The Nanny--but no Dynasty pictures!
I came away disappointed that she didn't feel it necessary to go into specifics about some of her biggest projects or the most famous men she slept with, instead choosing to squander pages on some of her many flops or guys most of us wouldn't care about (like having an affair with Cloris Leachman's husband?). You should skip this second act.
Ironically, she starts the book with a snotty summary of Random House suing her for turning in a book manuscript that they claimed "had no beginning, middle or end." And I would say that most of the fake "stories" in this book are the same--simply details without saying much of anything else and often no middle or end.
There are exceptions and when Collins wants to slam someone she has no problem holding back. But she gushes at the oddest times, making hyperbolic claims about people who were the best in the world or the biggest names in Hollywood. It gets tiring to encounter the constant namedropping with so few details or real stories.
She also makes sure to mention the men she slept with or who propositioned her but there seems to be some confusion about dates and chronologies, with her claiming all media reports were wrong and that she was "separated" or "done with" a husband/boyfriend while away bedding another famous or rich guy. She also does a horrible job explaining the bizarre foursome of herself with fiancé Warren Beatty and married couple Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood, where they went from being pals to switching partners.
Collins has an over-healthy self-image and throughout the book calls herself not only beautiful but even makes claims to be the "most beautiful" in Hollywood, England, and on the list of the prettiest in the world. She certainly has the makeup, hair, and wardrobe team to thank for most of her attractiveness. Since she was raised by a rich dad in a theatrical family, she grew up thinking she was better than others.
Her co-author or ghost writer did a poor job including all sorts of things that have nothing to do with Joan Collins, trying to include pop culture references for different eras. There were a few mistakes and too many tangential references. Are we really supposed to believe that Joan Collins has an opinion and memory of meeting a minor Hollywood has-been 40 years ago? Or of knowing the other productions that character actors had appeared in?
There are about 20 pages on Dynasty but her feelings about the show might have been reflected on the photo pages of the edition I read, where she includes shots of the horrible Can Hieronymus Merkin, Land of the Pharaohs, Our Girl Friday, Road to Hong Kong and even her appearance on The Nanny--but no Dynasty pictures!
I came away disappointed that she didn't feel it necessary to go into specifics about some of her biggest projects or the most famous men she slept with, instead choosing to squander pages on some of her many flops or guys most of us wouldn't care about (like having an affair with Cloris Leachman's husband?). You should skip this second act.
September 8, 2023
Enjoy this one
Kirkus Reviews
SECOND ACT
BY JOAN COLLINS
A gaudy second installment of memoirs. Collins (Past Imperfect, 1984) is a survivor. For almost 50 years, she has cobbled together a career in mass-market culture- -including TV shows, pulp fiction, and scores of mostly forgettable movies—happily sporting the doe eyes, pancake makeup, and slash of red lipstick they taught her to wear at Fox, where she went to work for Darryl Zanuck in the '50s. Among the events she recollects here are: being touted as a ``vestpocket Ava Gardner''; being picketed by an estranged husband with a sign reading, ``Joan, you have our $2.5 million, 13,000 sq. ft. home. . . . I am now homeless. Help!''; and chatting with Jayne Mansfield, who made small talk as a makeup man shaved her pubic hair into a heart shape. She's had four husbands, younger lovers, and was propositioned by Robert Kennedy (she heroically declined). Though Collins philosophizes about this-and-that (``Fidelity seems to be a trait in short supply with most men, male `equipment' being able to rise to stimulating opportunities with alacrity''), there's not much introspection here. Of Peter Holm, her much publicized third husband, she says simply, ``His tyranny, dual personality and definite sociopathic tendencies were making me feel as though I was playing Ingrid Bergman's role in Gaslight.'' But Collins matter-of-factly describes her life's challenges: Her daughter Katy was hit by a car and badly injured, and Collins spent years as her family's breadwinner, making quickie movies in order to pay the bills. She rarely complains, though like Dynasty's Alexis Carrington, she can be bitchy. Describing her former editor Joni Evans, who testified against Collins in her lawsuit against Random House: ``I was surprised by her raddled appearance and how much older she looked since last we'd met.'' In an earlier age, this would have been perfect reading for under the hairdryer.
Kirkus Reviews
SECOND ACT
BY JOAN COLLINS
A gaudy second installment of memoirs. Collins (Past Imperfect, 1984) is a survivor. For almost 50 years, she has cobbled together a career in mass-market culture- -including TV shows, pulp fiction, and scores of mostly forgettable movies—happily sporting the doe eyes, pancake makeup, and slash of red lipstick they taught her to wear at Fox, where she went to work for Darryl Zanuck in the '50s. Among the events she recollects here are: being touted as a ``vestpocket Ava Gardner''; being picketed by an estranged husband with a sign reading, ``Joan, you have our $2.5 million, 13,000 sq. ft. home. . . . I am now homeless. Help!''; and chatting with Jayne Mansfield, who made small talk as a makeup man shaved her pubic hair into a heart shape. She's had four husbands, younger lovers, and was propositioned by Robert Kennedy (she heroically declined). Though Collins philosophizes about this-and-that (``Fidelity seems to be a trait in short supply with most men, male `equipment' being able to rise to stimulating opportunities with alacrity''), there's not much introspection here. Of Peter Holm, her much publicized third husband, she says simply, ``His tyranny, dual personality and definite sociopathic tendencies were making me feel as though I was playing Ingrid Bergman's role in Gaslight.'' But Collins matter-of-factly describes her life's challenges: Her daughter Katy was hit by a car and badly injured, and Collins spent years as her family's breadwinner, making quickie movies in order to pay the bills. She rarely complains, though like Dynasty's Alexis Carrington, she can be bitchy. Describing her former editor Joni Evans, who testified against Collins in her lawsuit against Random House: ``I was surprised by her raddled appearance and how much older she looked since last we'd met.'' In an earlier age, this would have been perfect reading for under the hairdryer.
April 18, 2024
I know about the Collins family, I'm a huge fan of Jackie Collins books and have seen Joan Collins act in quite a handful of roles.
What I didn't know was how far back the Collins legacy was traced back to, with the family starting way back when in the vaudeville days, to family who were agents to the stars of yesteryear to suddenly creating this talent that we know today.
Reading Second act was quite vivid with detail, almost as if Joan had read diaries of her past, giving the reader every ounce of truth and picture as possible.
The interesting thing to read was how Joan had found her voice at a quite young age, the way she acted as if she knew so much yet quite innocent with knowledge.
Starting off on stage before jetting into the screen. The woman who not only grew up idolising radio story tellers, silent era Scarlett's and lusting over silent era actors but also being able to be there watching Hollywood grow. Glimpsing into the world of the origin of casting couch, rubbing shoulders with Marilyn Monroe, commentary on the Chaplin family and the vain Bette Davis. While growing in the era of war, Churchill and the rebellion of traditional women roles.
Joan Collins grew up in the generation who watched things change, the woman who helped pave roads and smash down doors in Hollywood. Talking about the shift from stage to screen. The scare factor of AIDS, the casting couchs, the starring roles of submissive woman to the bitch to the "too old". All amongst the wave of names that only a small few remember today.
Sure, it's easy to write her off as a silver spoon type of person but reading this, Ms Collins seems quite down to earth and at times able to show that she's far from the spoilt bitch many may assume she is.
At the time of reading this book, I discovered JC is 90 years old and still enjoy life.
What I didn't know was how far back the Collins legacy was traced back to, with the family starting way back when in the vaudeville days, to family who were agents to the stars of yesteryear to suddenly creating this talent that we know today.
Reading Second act was quite vivid with detail, almost as if Joan had read diaries of her past, giving the reader every ounce of truth and picture as possible.
The interesting thing to read was how Joan had found her voice at a quite young age, the way she acted as if she knew so much yet quite innocent with knowledge.
Starting off on stage before jetting into the screen. The woman who not only grew up idolising radio story tellers, silent era Scarlett's and lusting over silent era actors but also being able to be there watching Hollywood grow. Glimpsing into the world of the origin of casting couch, rubbing shoulders with Marilyn Monroe, commentary on the Chaplin family and the vain Bette Davis. While growing in the era of war, Churchill and the rebellion of traditional women roles.
Joan Collins grew up in the generation who watched things change, the woman who helped pave roads and smash down doors in Hollywood. Talking about the shift from stage to screen. The scare factor of AIDS, the casting couchs, the starring roles of submissive woman to the bitch to the "too old". All amongst the wave of names that only a small few remember today.
Sure, it's easy to write her off as a silver spoon type of person but reading this, Ms Collins seems quite down to earth and at times able to show that she's far from the spoilt bitch many may assume she is.
At the time of reading this book, I discovered JC is 90 years old and still enjoy life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2023
🖋️ I enjoyed reading Joan Collins’ autobiography; she has a full life. I did not realize she knows the people she mentions in this book, and she seems to be a really down-to-earth person.
🏮 Kindle Unlimited.
🔲 Excerpts of note:
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🏮 Kindle Unlimited.
🔲 Excerpts of note:
🔹That night she was wearing very long acrylic nails, and as the match flared so did one of these. 'Oh my God! My nail's on fire!' Elizabeth [Taylor] shrieked. George gallantly threw his drink over her hand and Elizabeth stared at the dripping mess with dismay. In the other room I could hear the music credits beginning to roll, but many of my guests were too busy craning their necks at Elizabeth to look at the screen. 'Do you have an emery board?' she whispered sweetly, pulling herself together.
🔸Donald Trump was an authentic American success story, although it had been his father, Fred, who had started the family real-estate business after the war and made it flourish. Knowing that Donald was such a huge Dynasty fan, Gerard Simone suggested to him that he might like to have my 'Spectacular' perfume launch in his brand-new glittering building on Fifth Avenue, the Trump Tower. Donald agreed with alacrity, and I was amazed but delighted. Since Parlux weren't doing anything much to launch it, it would receive a much-needed boost if Donald Trump threw open the doors of his 'spectacular' glass palace, apparently the most exciting and expensive new building in New York. The Trump Tower is like a vast monument to capitalism.
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January 10, 2021
In a nutshell - she lead (and still is!) a colorful, happy (by choice) life with a handful of scary and ugly situations. I love how "pro -life" she is, which comes across a lot in the book and that definately is something inspiring.
As to the book's construction, it covers her life starting from her grandmother's youth until her own Random House case. That's a 100 years of history, and I'm not sure if just little less than 400 pages could do it justice (mind you, she'd written an autobiography a decade prior to this one, covering - I imagine, her beginnings in Hollywood).
A lot of the writing felt a little gossipy/people magazine-ish, and HUGE numbers of famous names were typed onto every page, sometimes taking half a page...those parts got boring towards the end for me.
But she certainly gives a peek into celebrity life of some really big names of the business.
I wish there had been more about "Dynasty" - about her co-stars, how she made Alexis' dialogues funnier (which she had confessed to doing in later interviews!), the locations they shot the scenes etc. After all, the previous autobiography was written prior to filming "Dynasy", and we all "loved hating Alexis", and loved Joan for creating one.
As to the book's construction, it covers her life starting from her grandmother's youth until her own Random House case. That's a 100 years of history, and I'm not sure if just little less than 400 pages could do it justice (mind you, she'd written an autobiography a decade prior to this one, covering - I imagine, her beginnings in Hollywood).
A lot of the writing felt a little gossipy/people magazine-ish, and HUGE numbers of famous names were typed onto every page, sometimes taking half a page...those parts got boring towards the end for me.
But she certainly gives a peek into celebrity life of some really big names of the business.
I wish there had been more about "Dynasty" - about her co-stars, how she made Alexis' dialogues funnier (which she had confessed to doing in later interviews!), the locations they shot the scenes etc. After all, the previous autobiography was written prior to filming "Dynasy", and we all "loved hating Alexis", and loved Joan for creating one.
December 13, 2021
After having read Past Imperfect and My Unapologetic Diaries, I was anxious to read Second Act. It did not disappoint; in my opinion, it is by far the best of her autobiographical books! What I enjoyed so much about this book is that it is really a collection of anecdotes about her life and career. As always, she is witty and highly entertaining. I definitely recommend reading Second Act if you are able to find a copy.
August 4, 2022
Second Act was a great on !
Love "Second Act". I love to read books written by
famous people when their story is about their lives and the people they have worked with. Their point of view is so interesting. I feel Joan's story is an honest one , good and bad mistakes. I wish the book was longer. I found many of her movies to watch while reading her book. The " Star Trek " episode was great. Thank you Joan.
Love "Second Act". I love to read books written by
famous people when their story is about their lives and the people they have worked with. Their point of view is so interesting. I feel Joan's story is an honest one , good and bad mistakes. I wish the book was longer. I found many of her movies to watch while reading her book. The " Star Trek " episode was great. Thank you Joan.
December 25, 2023
Joan Collins
Well this is a very old book now so much has changed for her ,but it was interesting if not always factually correct
Well this is a very old book now so much has changed for her ,but it was interesting if not always factually correct
June 8, 2014
An absolutely brilliant biography where Collins spills the beans and kisses n tells on all of Hollywood, present and past.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews