Marina Sirtis Cinzano Bianco television commercial starring Leonard Rossiter and Joan Collins, in which Collins was splattered with drink. In 1986, Sirtis relocated to the United States. When casting "", Gene Roddenberry was inspired to ask the exotic-looking Sirtis to audition for a role after seeing the film "Aliens" with Bob Justman, which featured the prominent Latina character Vasquez, played by Jenette Goldstein. Sirtis and Denise Crosby initially tried out for each other's eventual roles on "The Next Generation". Sirtis' character was going to be named Lt. Macha Hernandez, the Security Chief. Gene Roddenberry decided to switch them, and Macha Hernandez became
Joan Collins of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1997 New Year Honours for services to drama and was promoted to Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2015 New Year Honours for services to charity. Joan Collins Dame Joan Henrietta Collins (born 23 May 1933) is an English actress, author, and columnist. Born in London, Collins grew up during the Second World War. After making her stage debut in the Henrik Ibsen play "A Doll's House" at the age of nine, she trained as an actress at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art