Acclaimed actress Pauline Collins dies at 85 after a long fight with Parkinson’s disease

Pauline Collins, the cherished British actress who brought to life the unforgettable Shirley Valentine, has died at the age of 85. She passed away peacefully in a London care home, surrounded by her devoted family, after several years of living with Parkinson’s disease.

The beloved performer, whose career spanned stage and screen for over six decades, became a household name through her portrayal of Shirley Valentine, the spirited Liverpudlian woman who rediscovered herself against all odds. Her death marks the end of an era for British theatre and film, leaving behind a legacy steeped in warmth, wit and resilience.

Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement shared with The Mirror. 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.”

They described her as “so many things to so many people”, praising her as “a bright, sparky, witty presence on stage and screen”. The family reflected on her remarkable range, saying, “Her illustrious career saw her play politicians, mothers and queens.”

Their tribute continued, “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.”

Her family remembered her not only as a star but as their guiding light. “More than anything, though, she was our loving mum, our wonderful grandma and great-grandma. Warm, funny, generous, thoughtful, wise, she was always there for us. And she was John’s life-long love. A partner, work collaborator, and wife of 56 years.”

Collins’s long marriage to fellow actor John Alderton was one of the most admired partnerships in British entertainment. The pair shared the screen several times, most memorably in Upstairs, Downstairs and Thomas & Sarah. Their enduring bond was both professional and deeply personal, reflecting a love story that spanned more than half a century.

Pauline Collins’s career was nothing short of remarkable. She first gained national attention in the 1960s with her role as Sarah Moffat in the acclaimed series Upstairs, Downstairs, earning widespread praise for her natural charm and emotional authenticity. Yet it was her portrayal of Shirley Valentine that defined her as one of Britain’s greatest talents.

The one-woman play, written by Willy Russell, told the story of a disillusioned housewife who rediscovers her zest for life while on holiday in Greece. Collins’s performance was widely acclaimed, first on stage and later in the 1989 film adaptation, for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Her interpretation of the role resonated deeply with audiences, capturing both vulnerability and courage in a way few could match.

Throughout her distinguished career, Collins received numerous accolades, including a BAFTA Award, an Olivier Award and international recognition for her contributions to drama. Yet despite her fame, she remained grounded and gracious, known for her warmth towards colleagues and fans alike.

In her later years, Collins continued to act occasionally while focusing on family and private life. Her declining health, following her Parkinson’s diagnosis, gradually drew her away from public appearances, but her influence never faded.

As tributes pour in from across the entertainment world, colleagues and admirers have hailed her as a “true national treasure” and “a beacon of grace and talent”.Pauline Collins leaves behind her husband John Alderton, her children and grandchildren, and a body of work that continues to inspire generations of actors. Her legacy will endure in every line of Shirley Valentine and in the hearts of all who loved her.