United Kingdom, May 25 -- Dame Joan Collins insists her genes and "simple" approach to life is the secret behind her remarkably youthful appearance.

The Hollywood veteran, 93, recently made a glamorous appearance at the opening ceremony of the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival, prompting fresh fascination with how the former Dynasty star continues to defy her age decades after becoming internationally famous as scheming socialite Alexis Colby.

Now, speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Joan said about her age-defying looks: "I have very good genes - I'm very lucky."

She added: "My father lived to be 87, and for somebody born in 1903 that's pretty amazing.

"My mother took incredibly exceptional care of me and my sister. When we were growing ...