Amongst the most prolific and influential writers of her time, Jackie Collins made a mark on literature and popular culture. Collins wrote steamy, glamorous novels about the sex lives of Hollywood elites for over five decades. By the time she died in 2015, Jackie Collins was estimated to be worth $180 million, both as a novelist and an entertainment mogul.
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Childhood and Writing
Born Jacqueline Jill Collins on October 4, 1937, in London, England, Jackie Collins was the younger sister of actress Joan Collins. Raised in a family with ties to the entertainment world, Jackie initially pursued acting like her sister but soon discovered she loved writing. By the 1960s, Collins had published her first novel titled The World Is Full of Married Men (1968), which was shockingly provocative but a bestseller. Her stories were bold and challenged conservative notions on sexuality and relationships.
Bestsellers and Cultural Impact
Throughout her career, Jackie Collins wrote 32 novels that were on the New York Times bestsellers list. Her best known work is arguably the Lucky Santangelo series beginning with Chances in 1981, where readers got to learn about the strong, female protagonist Lucky Santangelo. The character became iconic, reflecting the kind of independent, fearless women that populate much of Collins’ work. Titles like Hollywood Wives, Lady Boss, and The Stud made her the queen of the glamour novel.
Collins’ books sold over 500 million copies worldwide in 40 different languages. Some of her novels were adapted for television and film, and Collins served as an executive producer on some of them. Her literary success and subsequent adaptations made her a fortune.
Hollywood Lifestyle and Real Estate
Beyond her writing, Jackie Collins led a glamorous life like the characters in her books. Her real estate portfolio included Beverly Hills mansions and homes abroad. Collins’ Beverly Hills mansion was one of her many high-value properties – and her financial success went beyond book sales.
Collins added to her wealth by licensing work for film and television, including adaptations of novels like Hollywood Wives and The Bitch. They expanded her audience and provided a steady income.
Personal Life and Legacy
Jackie Collins was married twice with 3 children. Collins suffered personal losses too – her second husband Oscar Lerman died in 1992 – but she continued to write until her death from breast cancer in 2015. Her last novel, The Santangelos, was published just months before her death.
Wrapping Up
Collins left behind a literary empire and a legacy as a pioneer for women in publishing. She provided rare opportunities for female characters and her bold storytelling style captivated millions of readers around the world.
Her books are still being read and celebrated today. Collins continues to influence popular culture and literature through her work, and her financial success reflects the appeal of her glamorous, scandalous and empowering tales.
