Pauline Collins Dies at 85
British actress Pauline Collins, internationally renowned for her Oscar-nominated performance in 1989's Shirley Valentine, has passed away at the age of 85.
Life and Career
Born on September 3, 1940, in Exmouth, Collins trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. She gained recognition in the 1970s for her role as Sarah Moffat in the television series Upstairs, Downstairs and its spinoff, Thomas & Sarah.
Her breakthrough came with Shirley Valentine, an adaptation of Willy Russell's play, which earned her both a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress and an Academy Award nomination.
Legacy and Final Years
Collins had been living with Parkinson’s disease for several years before she died peacefully, surrounded by family members.
“Pauline was so many things to so many people, playing a variety of roles in her life. A bright, sparky, witty presence on stage and screen. Her illustrious career saw her play politicians, mothers and queens,” said her family’s statement.
“She will always be remembered as the iconic, strong-willed, vivacious and wise Shirley Valentine – a role that she made all her own. We were familiar with all those parts of her because her magic was contained in each one of them.”
Summary
Pauline Collins left a lasting impact through her versatile acting career, especially her unforgettable role in Shirley Valentine, cementing her status as a beloved figure in theatre and film.