One of the topmost American authors who specialised in writing about the glamorous side of Hollywood, Jackie Collins, died of breast cancer on Saturday, September 19, in Los Angeles, United States. The British born author who sold more than 500 million copies of her books in around 40 countries and has some 30 New York Times bestsellers, died at the age of 77. Collins, who is the younger sister of actress Joan Collins, was battling with cancer for the past six years.
“She was my best friend. I admire how she handled this. She was a wonderful, brave and a beautiful person and I love her,” said the 82-year-old Joan Collins.
Family Statement:It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the death of our beautiful, dynamic and one of a kind…
Posted by Jackie Collins on Saturday, 19 September 2015
Collins wrote extensively about Hollywood. Many of her stories were successfully adapted into television series. Some of her most successful novels included the 1983 Hollywood Wive s, about women living glamorous lives behind the scenes of the industry, and the 1985 Lucky and 1990 Lady Boss from her series focused on the ravishing and ambitious character Lucky Santangelo, who was born into an organized crime family.
Collins, who loved to be addressed as a story teller and not as a literary writer, faced controversies throughout her career for her steamy depiction of Hollywood’s mighty and the powerful. However, her own life was devoid of any scandals, as per her own candid admission. She was married to her second husband, Oscar Lerman, for more than 25 years until his death in 1992 and is survived by three daughters.
Horribly sad news about Jackie Collins. She was a lovely, very special woman. RIP.
— Elizabeth Hurley (@ElizabethHurley) September 20, 2015 Jackie Collins you were a light & it was a pleasure to know you. Thank you for bringing joy to so many. #RIPJackie #RIPJackie
— Jenny McCarthy (@JennyMcCarthy) September 20, 2015 (With inputs from Reuters)
Feature image source: Twitter
