Finding Lasting Love
In a twist, Collins found lasting love in her fifth marriage to Percy Gibson, a theater company manager 32 years her junior. At the time of their wedding, Collins was 68, and they had met earlier that year at a New York City book signing event for her self-help book, “My Friends’ Secrets.”
“Percy is the most honorable man I’ve ever met,” the actress shared. She explained that their relationship developed gradually, allowing them to build a deep understanding. “We got to know each other very, very well before we committed. We really, really got to know each other deeply in the right way,” Collins said.
Their substantial age gap initially drew public curiosity, yet Collins remained unbothered by the commentary. Marrying a younger man came with the advantage of being with someone who shared her vitality and zest for life.
The actress acknowledged that Gibson’s youthful energy inspired her to maintain her own physical and mental health, motivating her to stay active and engaged. She humorously added that her energy sometimes surpassed his, leaving Gibson jokingly unable to keep up with her lively pace.
Over time, the age difference became less of a topic as people witnessed their happiness and dedication to each other. She laughed off inquiries about their age gap early on, once quipping, “If he dies, he dies!”
As the secret to their marriage, the actress revealed that their nearly two-decade-long relationship thrives on shared values and a few simple practices. Collins embraced the advice of her friend Michael Caine, attributing some of their marital success to having separate bathrooms.