Jackie Collins was more than just a best-selling author; she was a trailblazer who transformed the romance novel genre with her audacious characters, glamorous settings, and bold narratives. Her career, spanning over four decades, solidified her as one of the world’s most successful female writers. Collins not only garnered international fame but also amassed a considerable fortune along the way. At the time of her death in 2015, her estimated net worth was a staggering $180 million. Let’s explore how Jackie Collins built her legacy of wealth through storytelling and an unapologetic approach to fiction.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on October 4, 1937, in London, England, Jackie Collins was destined for stardom from a young age. She grew up in a creative household, with her elder sister, Joan Collins, pursuing an acting career that would later lead her to Hollywood fame. Jackie’s rebellious streak showed early when she was expelled from Francis Holland School at the age of 15. Rather than bowing to convention, she moved to Los Angeles, where her sister Joan had already established her own career in the entertainment industry.
While in LA, Collins tried her hand at acting, taking on small roles in British B-movies and minor TV appearances. However, acting didn’t provide the satisfaction or success she sought. Her early career in front of the camera gave her valuable insight into Hollywood’s world of glitz and scandal, which she would later use to fuel the juicy plots of her novels.
Breakthrough as a Novelist
Although Jackie Collins found limited success as an actress, it was her second husband, nightclub owner Oscar Lerman, who recognized her potential as a writer. Lerman encouraged her to focus on writing, a decision that would change her life forever. Her debut novel, “The World is Full of Married Men”, was published in 1968. The novel, though controversial for its bold depictions of extramarital affairs, became an instant hit. Banned in countries like Australia and South Africa, it nonetheless attracted widespread attention, establishing Collins as a writer unafraid to push boundaries.
Collins followed up with more provocative works like “The Stud” and “Sunday Simmons & Charlie Brick”, both of which cemented her reputation as a leading voice in contemporary women’s fiction. Her works were unapologetic in their portrayal of women as powerful and sexually liberated—a stark contrast to the submissive roles women often occupied in other romance novels of the time.
Major Works and Achievements
Jackie Collins’ literary career was nothing short of extraordinary. Over the course of her career, she wrote 32 novels, and every single one of them appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list. This impressive feat is a testament to her consistent popularity with readers. Her novels have sold more than 500 million copies worldwide, and her works have been translated into over 40 languages, making her one of the most widely-read authors of all time.
Many of her novels, such as “Hollywood Wives” and “Lucky”, were adapted into films and TV miniseries, further boosting her visibility and solidifying her as a pop culture icon. Her stories of fame, wealth, betrayal, and scandal, often set against the backdrop of Los Angeles or London’s elite, resonated with readers across the globe. These adaptations not only brought her stories to new audiences but also contributed significantly to her financial success.
Beyond writing novels, Collins dabbled in screenwriting and even directed films based on her books, ensuring her creative control over her work. Her multi-faceted career helped expand her empire beyond the written word, further increasing her influence and wealth.
Net Worth and Financial Success
At the time of her death in 2015, Jackie Collins had accumulated an estimated net worth of $180 million. Her immense financial success was primarily driven by her book sales, with over 500 million copies sold worldwide. However, her wealth also came from the numerous film and television adaptations of her works, including popular TV miniseries based on her Hollywood-themed novels.
Her first major financial breakthrough came with the publication of “The World is Full of Married Men”, but her later works, such as “Hollywood Wives”, catapulted her into a new level of wealth and fame. Hollywood embraced her scandal-filled, glamorous narratives, leading to lucrative screenwriting deals and movie rights sales.
Additionally, Collins was known for making smart business decisions regarding her brand. She retained control over many of the film and TV adaptations of her books, ensuring that she received a significant portion of the revenue. This business acumen, combined with her literary talent, contributed to her impressive financial legacy.
Personal Life and Legacy
Despite her glamorous public persona, Jackie Collins’ personal life was marked by both love and loss. She was married twice, first to Wallace Austin and then to Oscar Lerman, the latter being her greatest supporter and the man who encouraged her writing career. Her marriage to Lerman was a happy one, and they had two daughters together. After his death in 1992, Collins found companionship with businessman Frank Calcagnini, but he, too, passed away in 1998, leaving Collins to overcome multiple personal tragedies while maintaining her career.
Her personal life may have had its challenges, but professionally, she thrived. Collins was a pioneer in presenting strong, empowered female characters, something that was relatively rare in the romance genre at the time. Her works pushed boundaries, challenged societal norms, and paved the way for future generations of female writers to express themselves more freely.
Collins’ influence on the romance genre is undeniable. She transformed what was often dismissed as “light reading” into stories that discussed power dynamics, sexuality, and the often-hidden lives of the rich and famous. Her novels didn’t just entertain—they sparked conversations about women’s roles, both in fiction and real life.
Even after her death, Collins’ work continues to be celebrated. Her novels remain in print, and her stories continue to captivate new generations of readers, thanks to digital platforms and audiobooks. Jackie Collins was more than an author—she was a cultural phenomenon whose work endures as part of her lasting legacy.
Conclusion
Jackie Collins’ journey from a rebellious teenager expelled from school to a literary titan with a net worth of $180 million is a story of determination, creativity, and boldness. Her novels broke through societal taboos, offering readers tantalizing glimpses into the lives of the wealthy and scandalous, all while advocating for female empowerment and independence. Her financial success is a reflection of her talent, hard work, and her ability to connect with readers across generations.
As we reflect on Jackie Collins’ legacy, it’s clear that she was not only a literary icon but also a savvy businesswoman who turned her passion for storytelling into a vast fortune. Today, her work continues to inspire aspiring writers, particularly women, showing them that it’s possible to be both creative and financially successful. Jackie Collins may no longer be with us, but her influence on literature, pop culture, and the world of entertainment will last forever.
