Key Highlights
- Pauline Collins, star of the film “Shirley Valentine,” has passed away at the age of 85.
- Collins was Oscar-nominated for her role in the film and won a Golden Globe Award.
- The actress will be remembered for her iconic portrayal of Shirley Valentine on stage and screen.
- She had Parkinson’s disease for several years before passing away peacefully in her London care home.
Pauline Collins: A Legendary Actress Leaves Us
Pauline Collins, the acclaimed British actress known for her role as Shirley Valentine in the film adaptation of Willy Russell’s stage play, passed away at the age of 85. Her family announced that she died peacefully in a London care home surrounded by loved ones after battling Parkinson’s disease for several years.
Shirley Valentine and Beyond
Collins is perhaps best remembered for her portrayal of Shirley Valentine, a middle-aged housewife who rebels against the confines of suburban life. Her performance earned her critical acclaim, including an Oscar nomination in 1990. She also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress and a BAFTA for her role.
Her stage adaptation of the play was equally successful, winning the Olivier Award for best actress in 1988 and sweeping all seven Tony Awards in New York the following year. The film version, released later that same year, further cemented Collins’ status as one of Britain’s most versatile actresses.
A Diverse Career Spanning Decades
Collins began her acting career on stage, where she played a variety of roles including politicians, mothers, and queens. Her film debut came in 1966 with “Secrets of a Windmill Girl,” but it was the role of Shirley Valentine that brought her international recognition.
Her television career also flourished, most notably starring alongside her husband John Alderton in the long-running series “Upstairs Downstairs” from 1971 to 1973. The show won two Baftas and seven Emmys, leading to a spin-off series with Alderton.
Personal Life and Legacy
Pauline Collins was married to actor John Alderton since 1969, and they had three children together. She remained active in the entertainment industry until her final years, appearing in films such as “The Time of Their Lives” in 2017.
Her family paid tribute to her, describing her as a “bright, sparky, witty presence” who left an indelible mark on both stage and screen. They expressed gratitude for the care given by her carers, stating that she had a peaceful passing.
Russell T Davies, who worked with Collins on the 2006 Doctor Who episode “Tooth and Claw,” praised her as “a true star” and “salty and wonderful.” He highlighted her ability to bring out the best in others and noted that Shirley Valentine remains a defining role for generations to come.
Collins’ legacy as an actress who embodied strength, vivacity, and wisdom will be remembered by many. Her contributions to British entertainment are celebrated, and her final days were marked with dignity and love from those closest to her.
