To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Dame Joan Collins has revealed she used Donald Trump as inspiration when starring on Dynasty.
The British actress, 90, is one of the last surviving stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema, having starred in movies including The Virgin Queen, Land of the Pharaohs, The Opposite Sex and Sea Wife.
Then, from 1981 to 1989, she starred as Alexis Colby in the soap opera Dynasty, which made her an international superstar.
Her character’s scheming was a major plot throughout the series’ run, but the actress has now shared how she used Trump as inspiration at the time.
In an interview with Louis Theroux for the latest episode of his Interviews series, which airs tonight, Dame Joan explains all.
An exclusive clip from the episode shows Louis drawing her to detail their connection.
Dame Joan Collins has revealed she took inspiration from Donald Trump for a famous role (Picture: BBC/Mindhouse Productions/Ryan McNamara)
‘Amongst the millions of fans of Dynasty was a young man who later went on to success, well success that is debatable, as President,’ he said.
‘His name was Donald Trump,’ the broadcaster continued, as Joan let out a laugh and explained how Trump was such a fan, he was desperate to appear on the series.
‘I said when I was asked about my character Alexis, who did I think of when preparing, I said “well a mixture of Donald Trump, who was not President then, he was just a businessman, and a friend of mine who was a very glamorous woman about town who was very clever, so I wanted to have a mixture of them,’ she explained.
From 1981 until 1989, she played Alexis in the series Dynasty (Picture: ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
When asked about what qualities Trump displayed that captured her interest, Joan didn’t mince her words.
‘Ruthlessness,’ she replied.
However, when asked for her opinion on Trump now, she refused to be drawn to begin with.
She used Trump’s ‘ruthlessness’ when playing the infamous character (Picture: Reuters)
‘I am trying not to get involved politically. I am an actress so I don’t think we should spout our political opinions,’ she said.
But when asked about what she thought of his personality rather than his politics, she paused to consider her answer.
‘Well let’s say that if you played him in a movie people would say “no, that’s too over the top”.’
Dame Joan’s role in Dynasty brought her critical acclaim, winning her the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama in 1982, and earning her a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1984.
Back in 2021 the actress revealed that Trump had once begged to star on the soap, but was turned down after requesting to play one of her lovers.
In her memoir. My Unapologetic Diaries, she wrote how Trump had ‘pretended to be taken’ with her.
‘I don’t think he was. I was a great friend of Ivana’s [his first wife],’ she wrote.
The actress speaks to Louis Theroux in the latest episode of his Interviews series (Picture: BBC/ Mindhouse Productions)
‘Then he called up one of the producers from Dynasty and said, ” want to be in Dynasty”. He said, “I’m sorry we’re all cast.” Trump said, “But, I am Dynasty!” And he said, “No you’re not. We have all these other people.”.
“Trump said, ‘Look, I’d be great to play one of Alexis’s (Joan’s) lovers.’ He said, ‘I think those parts – there was a few! – have been cast.’
“A few weeks later, [the producer] spread this story around Hollywood, he [Trump] denied it. Trump said, “I would not want to be Joan Collins’s lover on or off-screen”. Which I thought was rather rude!’
During her chat with Louis, Dame Joan also speaks about her five marriages and the sexual assault she suffered at the hands of her first husband, her views on the #MeToo movement, how her late sister Jackie Collins ‘hated’ many of those in her circle and her thoughts on the Royal family.
Louis Theroux Interviews… airs on Tuesdays at 9pm on BBC Two and is streaming on iPlayer.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Louis Theroux stumbles across Kate Moss message in Pete Doherty’s home
MORE : Louis Theroux pulverises Piers Morgan with fighting talk and we didn’t know he had it in him
She also revealed what she thinks of the businessman and former President.