Legendary British actress Pauline Collins, best known for her unforgettable role in Shirley Valentine, has sadly passed away at the age of 85 after a long and courageous fight with Parkinson’s disease.

The beloved star died peacefully at her London care home, surrounded by her devoted family, her loved ones confirmed.

Pauline, who had been married to fellow actor John Alderton, 84, for over 56 years, was described by her family as “a bright, witty and generous soul who brought light to every room she entered.”

In an emotional statement, her family said:

“Pauline was so many things to so many people — a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and an extraordinary talent. She will always be remembered as the strong-willed, vivacious, and wise Shirley Valentine — a role she made entirely her own.
But above all, she was our loving mum and John’s lifelong love. We will forever be grateful for the carers who gave her such dignity, compassion, and love. She could not have had a more peaceful goodbye.”

The Shirley Valentine actress — whose performance earned her both Oscar and Golden Globe nominations — became an international icon after starring in the 1989 film adaptation of Willy Russell’s one-woman play. Her portrayal of a Liverpool housewife rediscovering herself in Greece remains one of the most celebrated performances in British cinema history.

Pauline and her husband John were one of Britain’s best-loved acting couples, starring together in the hit dramas Upstairs, Downstairs and Thomas & Sarah. The couple shared three children — Nicholas, Kate, and Richard — and a lifetime of art, love, and laughter.

In a deeply moving tribute, John Alderton said:

“Pauline Collins was a remarkable star. I had the great fortune to work with her more than anyone else — in countless films, TV series, and stage shows. She had a rare gift: she never needed to say ‘Look at me.’ Instead, she lifted everyone around her.
She’ll always be remembered for Shirley Valentine, not just for the awards or nominations, but because she touched so many lives. Still, her greatest performance was as my wife and the mother of our beautiful children.”

Dame Joanna Lumley, who appeared alongside Collins in Shirley Valentine, also paid tribute, recalling:

“We only worked together for one afternoon, but I saw instantly why she was a blazing star — her honesty, her heart, and her impeccable comic timing made her unforgettable.”

Born in Devon and raised in Wallasey, Cheshire, Pauline originally worked as a teacher before training at the Central School of Speech and Drama. Her early success came with the BBC sitcom The Liver Birds, before she found global fame in Shirley Valentine.

Over her six-decade career, she starred in theatre hits like No Sex Please, We’re British, Wodehouse Playhouse, Forever Green, and The Time of Their Lives. Her film credits included City of Joy with Patrick Swayze and Quartet (2012) alongside Dame Maggie Smith, Sir Tom Courtenay, and Sir Billy Connolly.

In 2001, Pauline was appointed OBE for her services to drama and continued acting well into her later years, with appearances in Albert Nobbs, The Royle Family, and The Last Detective. Her final role was in the 2017 film The Time of Their Lives, alongside Dame Joan Collins.

Her family has requested that those wishing to honour her memory make donations to Parkinson’s UK:

Pauline Collins is survived by her husband John Alderton, their three children, grandchildren, and countless admirers across the world who will remember her brilliance, grace, and warmth. 

 Source: DailyMail.co.uk