Pauline Collins: A Celebrated British Actress
Veteran British actress Pauline Collins passed away peacefully at the age of 85 in her London care home, surrounded by her family. She had battled Parkinson’s disease for several years.
Career Highlights
Pauline Collins is best remembered for her iconic role as the fiery housewife Shirley in Lewis Gilbert's film Shirley Valentine, based on Willy Russell’s acclaimed stage play. While she was nominated for an Oscar for this performance, she won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress and received a BAFTA Award.
Her acting journey began after initially training as a teacher. She made her screen debut with a small cameo as a nurse in the British medical drama Emergency Ward 10 (1957). Over time, she took on roles in films like Secrets of a Windmill Girl (1966), portraying a dancer in a London striptease club.
Television Fame
Collins gained widespread recognition on television with her appearances in The Liver Birds and later in Upstairs, Downstairs. These roles cemented her status as a household name across the UK.
Stage Success
Her international fame soared with Shirley Valentine, a role she first performed on stage at London’s Vaudeville Theatre in 1988.
“Pauline Collins died peacefully at her London care home, surrounded by her family.”
“She won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress and received a BAFTA for her role in Shirley Valentine.”
Early Life
Born in Exmouth in 1940 and raised near Liverpool, Pauline Collins discovered her passion for acting in the late 1950s after initially training to be a teacher.
Legacy
Pauline Collins left a lasting impact on British theatre and film, remembered especially for her remarkable portrayal of Shirley Valentine.
Author's summary: Pauline Collins, beloved British actress known for Shirley Valentine, passed away at 85, leaving a legacy marked by award-winning performances and enduring TV roles.