Pauline Collins, celebrated for her role in “Shirley Valentine,” which earned her an Oscar nomination in 1990, has passed away at the age of 85.
The actress died “peacefully” at her London care home, surrounded by family, after a years-long battle with Parkinson’s disease, as confirmed by her family.
Collins is best remembered for her acclaimed portrayal of the disenchanted housewife Shirley in Lewis Gilbert’s award-winning film adaptation of Willy Russell’s renowned stage play.
Her critically lauded performance garnered her the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress, in addition to a BAFTA.
In a statement, Collins’ family remarked: “Pauline embodied many facets for countless individuals, taking on diverse roles throughout her life. She was a radiant, vivacious, and witty presence on both stage and screen. Her distinguished career saw her embody politicians, mothers, and queens.”
“She will forever be remembered as the iconic, strong-willed, spirited, and wise Shirley Valentine—a role she truly made her own. We recognized these qualities in all her performances, as her magic was inherent in each.”
The family further described her as their “loving mum, our wonderful grandma and great-grandma,” and the “life-long love” of actor John Alderton.
“Warm, funny, generous, thoughtful, wise, she was always there for us,” they added, expressing gratitude to her caregivers for their “dignity, compassion, and most of all love.”
“She could not have had a more peaceful goodbye. We hope you will remember her at the height of her powers; so joyful and full of energy; and give us the space and privacy to contemplate a life without her.”
Alderton also issued a statement, recognizing his wife as “a remarkable star” with whom he collaborated more than any other actor.
“I witnessed not only her impressive range of characters but also her talent for inspiring the best in her colleagues,” he stated.
“She wanted everyone to be special, and she achieved this by never seeking attention for herself. It’s no wonder she was voted the nation’s sweetheart in the 1970s.”
He added that she would always be remembered for Shirley Valentine, “not only for her Oscar nomination or the film itself but for clean-sweeping all seven awards when she portrayed her on Broadway in the stage play, in which she played every character herself”.
“Shirley Valentine” centers on a middle-aged Liverpool housewife, weary of her unappreciative husband, portrayed by Bernard Hill, and her monotonous suburban existence.
Her life takes an unexpected turn when her best friend wins a holiday for two to Greece. Shirley embarks on the trip and becomes romantically involved with a local tavern owner, played by Tom Conti, sparking a passionate holiday affair that reignites her zest for life.
Russell T Davies, who collaborated with Collins on a 2006 “Doctor Who” episode, shared on Instagram: “It was such an honour to have her on set, I was in awe… Oh she was salty and wonderful, and the finest of actors.”
“As for Shirley Valentine, as writer Matthew Todd says today, “Says more about UK life at that time than any history book ever could.” A true star. And she’d laugh at that.”
Collins initially portrayed Shirley Valentine at the Vaudeville Theatre in London in 1988, earning the Olivier Award for Best Actress that year.
The following year, she reprised the role on Broadway in New York, receiving numerous accolades, including a prestigious Tony Award.
The film adaptation was released later that year.
Her other notable films include “City of Joy” (1991) with Patrick Swayze, filmed in Calcutta, which garnered her international recognition.
Born in Exmouth in 1940, Collins was raised near Liverpool and began her career as a teacher.
Her passion for the stage led her to pursue acting part-time, and in 1957, she made a cameo appearance as a nurse in the TV series “Emergency Ward 10.”
Her film debut was in “Secrets of a Windmill Girl” in 1966, where she played a fictional dancer at the Windmill Theatre, a London striptease nightclub.
After several stage roles, she utilized her Liverpool accent to secure a leading role in “The Liver Birds” in 1969.
She starred as Dawn in five episodes before departing, with Nerys Hughes replacing her in the role of Sandra.
She also appeared in five episodes of “Doctor Who,” but told The Guardian in 2012 that after her appearance as Samantha Briggs in 1967, she declined an offer for 39 more episodes.
“I thought it was like a prison sentence. Maybe it would have given me a profile early in my career, but then I would have missed so many things,” she said.
It was through acting that she met her husband, John Alderton. They married in 1969 and had three children: Nicholas, Kate, and Richard.
Alderton and Collins appeared together in numerous television and film productions, including “Upstairs, Downstairs,” where she played a maid in the popular ITV series.
Her later roles included acclaimed performances in period dramas, such as the 2005 television adaptation of “Bleak House” and 2015’s “Dickensian.”
She also played Cissy Robson in the 2012 film “Quartet,” alongside Dame Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly and Sheridan Smith.
The action was previously announced, and the official record now shows it has taken place.
The actress and close friend Emma Stone are set to co-produce the film, centered on the diva puppet.
The actor and director’s $400m lawsuit against his former co-star is formally ended by a US judge.
The actor and director’s $400m lawsuit against his former co-star has been formally ended by a US judge.
The star gives an impassioned speech saying progress for female film-makers has reversed in recent years.