Actress Pauline Collins has died at the age of 85. The British star, best known for her Oscar-nominated role in "Shirley Valentine," passed away peacefully at her care home in Highgate, London, after battling Parkinson's disease for several years.
Her family confirmed she was surrounded by loved ones when she died. In a statement, they said: «We are heartbroken to announce that Pauline Collins died peacefully at her care home in Highgate this week, having endured Parkinson's for several years. She was surrounded by her family.»
Career Legacy
Collins gained international acclaim for portraying a Liverpool housewife rediscovering herself in the 1989 film "Shirley Valentine." The role earned her an Academy Award nomination, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA. On Broadway, she won all seven awards for the stage version, performing every character herself.
The actress first rose to fame in the 1970s with "Upstairs, Downstairs" and was voted "the nation's sweetheart" of that era. She received an OBE in 2001 for services to drama.
Family Tributes
Her husband of 56 years, actor John Alderton, paid tribute to her talent and character. «Pauline Collins was a remarkable star,» he said in a statement. «What I saw was not only her brilliant range of diverse characters but her magic of bringing out the best in all of the people she worked with.»
The family described her as «a bright, sparky, witty presence on stage and screen» who will be remembered as «the iconic, strong-willed, vivacious and wise Shirley Valentine.» They particularly thanked her carers, calling them «angels who looked after her with dignity, compassion, and most of all love.»
The family requested privacy, asking the public to «remember her at the height of her powers; so joyful and full of energy.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
