Joan Collins at 90; the ever-reaching influence of television’s original Queen of Mean, Alexis Colby

It’s the original Mean Queen of Television’s 90th birthday today; and while some might have some debate who influenced a legion of television “bitches” (used in the utmost high regards), Peopleworld have long believed that the incomparable Joan Collins was the genesis for the tried-and-tested “alpha bitch” trope. 

It was her starring role in legendary ‘80s television series Dynasty that brought us the often replicated, never really bettered Alexis Carrington Colby; the scheming and manipulative ex-wife of oil tycoon Blake Carrington and became one of the most memorable characters in television history. Not bad considering before landing the role on Dynasty, Collins was receiving unemployment as an out of work actress following her heyday in the ‘50s and ‘60s.

But the role sparked a career revival for Collins, and had an incredible influence on female roles in television going forwards. Defying the notion that women should be submissive and passive, Alexis was a strong, independent woman who commanded attention and often overshadowed the male characters on the show.

Her larger-than-life personality and her ruthless pursuit of wealth and power was only matched by her iconic fashion sense - “power shoulders” became a thing in the ‘80s thanks to Collins’ character and her glamorous style is something only our editor Marina Licht could succinctly explain. It helps that our editor is also a big fan of the original Dynasty series too.

Peopleworld takes a look at some of the female characters in television history that have been influenced by the character Alex Carrington Colby, and maybe are also toasting the Queen Bitch today on her 90th birthday.

Amanda Woodward (Heather Locklear) 

While not as overtly villainous as Alexis, Melrose Place’s Amanda Woodward was a strong and assertive character who dominated the advertising world. She exuded confidence, had a penchant for stylish outfits, and often used her sexuality and charm to manipulate those around her. Heather Locklear’s role in Melrose Place, much like Collins in Dynasty years before, became the actress's defining role and one she is mostly remembered for outside of the United States.

Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey)

Game Of Thrones’ Cersei however is just as villainous as Alexis. The pair share similarities in terms of her manipulative nature, fierce ambition, and her pursuit of power. Like Alexis, Cersei is a complex character with shades of vulnerability and cunning, making her one of the most memorable characters in the series. She was also not afraid to exude her sexiness in order to attain what she wanted, living almost by the credo “by any means necessary.”

Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester)

While not as overtly villainous as Alexis, Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf displays some characteristics influenced by the iconic character. Blair is a socialite who uses manipulation and scheming to maintain her social status and control those around her. She shares Alexis' fashion-forward style and ambition however - so some of the less aggressive traits from Joan Collins’ iconic character.

Kathryn Merteuil (Sarah Michelle Gellar)

It wasn’t just television that drew inspiration from Joan Collins' character; the world of film became informed with strong-willed, powerful female characters capable of Machiavellian plots. Although not a television series, Kathryn Merteuil's character in this film draws inspiration from characters like Alexis. She is a manipulative and conniving socialite who schemes to control and ruin the lives of those around her.

Katherine Wentworth (Morgan Fairchild)

Of course, given the success of Dynasty and its characters, many other pretenders came along to cash in on its success. However one of the better series to be inspired by Dynasty was Flamingo Road, which included the character Katherine Wentworth. A glamorous and ambitious woman who schemed and manipulated her way to the top of a small Southern town's social hierarchy, Morgan Fairchild’s character shared many traits with Alexis, including a penchant for power struggles and extravagant outfits.