At 92, Joan Collins finally exposes the decades-long feud with Dynasty co-star John Forsythe, revealing how his contractual favoritism, on-set humiliations, and a cruel incident in 1985 forced her to vow never to work with him again, a revelation that underscores her resilience, indignation, and enduring strength in reclaiming her legacy.

At 92, Joan Collins Finally Admits Why She Refused to Work with John Forsyth

At 92, Joan Collins sat down in her London home for an exclusive reflection on one of the most turbulent periods of her legendary career, finally breaking decades of silence about her fraught relationship with her Dynasty co-star, John Forsythe.

The British actress, whose portrayal of Alexis Carrington became a cultural touchstone in the 1980s, revealed the deep personal and professional betrayals that shaped her decision to never work with Forsythe again.

“It’s taken me nearly 40 years to find the words, but the truth has to come out,” Collins said, her voice tinged with the same steel that made her an icon onscreen.

The tension between Collins and Forsythe reportedly began during the first season of Dynasty in 1981, when Collins discovered that Forsythe’s contract guaranteed him a higher salary than hers, despite her being the show’s breakout star.

“I was the one keeping that show alive, yet my name was shrinking in the credits and in the promotional photos,” Collins recalled.

Photographs for magazine spreads often cropped her out entirely, an indignity she said was orchestrated by Forsythe’s team.

“It was humiliating, and at first, I thought, ‘Maybe this is just Hollywood politics.

’ But it kept escalating.”

By 1982, the two stars had stopped speaking on set entirely, and the tension between them became a subject of whispered gossip in Hollywood circles.

Crew members remember Collins walking onto the set with a smile that never reached her eyes, while Forsythe reportedly maintained a cold, detached demeanor.

“I felt invisible next to him,” Collins said.

 

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“Even though I was carrying half the show, the hierarchy on paper didn’t reflect reality.

And I was young, ambitious, and stubborn enough to recognize that I wouldn’t be treated this way.”

The breaking point, according to Collins, occurred during filming in late 1985 at the Beverly Hills studio.

A crucial scene required her character, Alexis, to confront Forsythe’s Blake Carrington.

“He deliberately flubbed his lines so I looked unprepared and amateurish,” she said, shaking her head.

“It was petty, cruel, and calculated.

I had had enough.

That day, I promised myself I would never work with him again.

” Crew members at the time recall the tension being so palpable that the director reportedly considered rewriting the scene to diffuse the hostility.

Despite the challenges, Collins’ career soared.

She earned critical acclaim for her sharp, dramatic portrayal of Alexis Carrington, cementing her place in television history.

Forsythe, meanwhile, continued as the patriarchal figure of Blake Carrington but faced criticism for what some called his on-set arrogance.

Collins reflected on the strange irony: “I was the villain onscreen, but he was the one making life miserable behind the scenes.

Audiences had no idea.”

 

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In later years, Collins admitted that her decision to avoid working with Forsythe was difficult.

She was offered reunion projects and potential spin-offs, but each time, she recalled that 1985 moment and walked away.

“I loved the show, and I loved the character, but I couldn’t compromise my dignity,” Collins said.

Her candor about the incident shines a new light on the pressures faced by female stars in Hollywood during the 1980s, especially when negotiating contracts and recognition against established male leads.

Today, Collins views the experience as a defining moment in her career.

“It taught me to stand my ground, to demand respect, and to protect my artistry,” she explained.

Her revelation, now widely reported in entertainment circles, has reignited discussions about pay inequality, creative recognition, and the hidden conflicts that often remain invisible behind iconic television productions.

Fans have expressed shock and admiration across social media, praising Collins for her honesty and bravery decades after the fact.

As she recounted her story, Collins held up a framed photo of herself in full Alexis Carrington regalia, smiling wryly.

“People think the glamour makes it easy, but every smile hides battles that no one sees,” she said.

For Collins, finally sharing the truth about John Forsythe is not just about settling old scores—it’s about reclaiming her story, her agency, and her legacy as one of television’s most indelible stars.

Even at 92, Joan Collins’ voice is clear, defiant, and unwavering, a reminder that no matter the years that pass, truth eventually finds its way to the spotlight.