Jackie Collins, 68, was born in London, where her father was a theatrical agent. After being expelled from school at 15, she followed her sister, Joan, to Hollywood, to work as a model and actress. She published her first novel in 1968, and has since gone on to write 26 bestsellers that have sold more than 300 million books worldwide. Her latest novel is Married Lovers. Widowed, she has three daughters and lives in Beverly Hills.

When were you happiest?

I always keep a happy attitude.

What is your greatest fear?

Spiders and rats.

What is your earliest memory?

Making mud pies in Regent's Park.

Which living person do you most admire, and why?

Teachers, nurses, cops - people who try to make the world a better place.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I can't say no.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Cruelty, rudeness, and not owning up to mistakes.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

I think I've blocked them all out.


A silver blue Aston Martin.

What is your most treasured possession?

My leather-bound handwritten manuscripts of my 26 books.

What would your super power be?

To be invisible and able to go anywhere. I'd get great material for books.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

Nothing - I try to make the most of what I have.



Who would play you in the film of your life?

Penélope Cruz without the Spanish accent.

What is your most unappealing habit?

Being a back-seat driver.

What is your favourite book?

The Godfather, by Mario Puzo.

Is it better to give or to receive?

I love giving - especially when it's appreciated.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Chocolate. And excellent TV shows like Gavin And Stacey and Dexter.

What do you owe your parents?

My mother taught me to be gentle. My father taught me to be strong. I like to think I'm a combination.

What or who is the love of your life?

My three daughters.

What was the best kiss of your life?

The first kiss from my first daughter.

What does love feel like?

Never being able to wipe the smile off your face.

What is the worst job you've done?

Packing raincoats for mail-order at 14.


Often - but I use the word in a friendly way.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Angelina and Brad, because they seem so interesting. Michael and Shakira Caine, who have one of the great marriages. And talkshow host Jon Stewart, who is smart and savvy.

What has been your biggest disappointment?

Mum not living to see my daughters.

If you could edit your past, what would you change?



The Wild West - what an adventure.

When did you last cry, and why?

Sad movies always make me cry.

How often do you have sex?

I never talk about my money or my sex life. I just write about other people's.

What single thing would improve the quality of your life?

More time at home. In the past year I've been to Australia, South Africa, Hawaii, London, Amsterdam and a 26-city book tour of the American South. And now I'm off to Russia.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Three daughters who are my best friends.

What keeps you awake at night?

Dreaming up new characters.

What song would you like played at your funeral?

Have I Told You Lately That I Love You, by Van Morrison.

How would you like to be remembered?

That I gave a lot of pleasure to a lot of people.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

Nothing ever turns out the way you think it will.

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