Underated British leading man predominantly of the Seventies and Eighties, Collins made his mark in the 1970s action drama The Professionals (1977). As hard man "William Bodie", Collins became a household name, worldwide. The episode of The New Avengers (1976) in which he appeared was the first time he and Martin Shaw starred together. They later went on to star in the The Professionals (1977). Once a member of a 1960s pop group, the "Eyes", with Klaus Voormann and Paddy Chambers. Also briefly a member of "The Mojos", another 60s pop group. Passed the actual selection course for 23 SAS, one of the SAS' two Territorial Army battalions, only to be turned away from the unit because of his celebrity status. Holds a Private Pilot's License. Has three sons, Oliver, Elliot and Cameron. He was considered for James Bond in the 1980s, but Albert R. Broccoli turned him down, thinking he was "too thuggish". Lives in Los Angeles with his family and runs a successful computer business. [1999] In Tales from Fat Tulip's Garden (1985), writer Tony Robinson created a heroic tortoise character named Lewis Collins. He was considered for Col. Colin Caine and Roger Derebridge in Lifeforce (1985). His father Bill Collins was road manager for Badfinger.
