Talented British Actress Pauline Collins, Star of “Shirley Valentine” Passes Away at 85
It’s a sad day in the world of film and theatre. The immensely talented Pauline Collins, a British actress who captured hearts as the iconic Shirley Valentine, has passed away at the age of 85. Her family confirmed she died peacefully in her London care home after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Pauline Collins Embodied “Shirley Valentine”
For many, Pauline Collins will forever be the vivacious, strong-willed Liverpudlian housewife of beloved late actor Bernard Hill. Shirley rediscovers herself on a trip to Greece. Her performance in “Shirley Valentine” wasn’t just a role; it was a cultural touchstone. It earned her an Oscar nomination, a Golden Globe nomination, and a BAFTA award.
Prior to the film, she dominated the stage in the one-woman play, sweeping up both a Tony and an Olivier Award. She truly made the character Shirley Valentine her own, embodying a spirit of liberation and self-discovery to which millions could relate.
Who Was Pauline Collins?
Long before she was talking to a wall in Greece, Pauline Collins was a familiar, comforting, and beloved face on British television. She first gained widespread fame as the sparky maid Sarah Moffat in the classic drama “Upstairs, Downstairs,” a role that led to her own spin-off, “Thomas & Sarah.”
Collins even had a memorable turn in “Doctor Who” back in 1967 and returned to the series in 2006 to play none other than Queen Victoria. Her long career was a testament to her versatility. She easily played everything from wise mothers (and smart-mouthed mums) to respected queens. She portrayed each with equal conviction.
A Legacy Extending Beyond the Screen
Beyond her memorable career, Pauline Collins was a devoted wife, mum, and grandmother. Her husband of 56 years, fellow actor John Alderton, shared a touching tribute. In a statement to PA Media BBC, he called her a “remarkable star” and noting that her “greatest performance was as my wife and mother to our beautiful children.” The two often worked together, a partnership on and off the screen that was a joy to watch.
In 2001, her contributions to drama were officially recognized when she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Yet, with her characteristic humility, she told the BBC she was “amazed” to be awarded anything.
Pauline Collins had a true and magical gift. She could be funny, warm, and also fierce at the same time. She wasn’t just a talented actress; she was a powerful presence. Collins made every character feel real and human. While we are mourning her death, we’re also celebrating the long legacy she leaves behind. Collins leaves incredible body of work which continues to both inspire and entertain us for many generations to come.
