🔗 Share this article Pauline Collins, Lead Actress of Shirley Valentine, Dies at 85 The celebrated actress Pauline Collins, widely recognized for her role in the movie Shirley Valentine, has passed away at the age of 85. She died peacefully in her London residence, surrounded by her loved ones after living with Parkinson's disease for several years, as stated by her relatives. Her legacy will be defined for her depiction of unhappy homemaker Shirley in the director's award-winning film, based on the celebrated theatrical production by playwright Willy Russell. Her critically acclaimed performance also earned her the Golden Globe for outstanding actress as well as a BAFTA award. 'Sparkling Personality' Collins starred opposite her husband John Alderton in the series Upstairs Downstairs, appearing from 1971 to 1973 Her relatives said in a statement: "Pauline was so many things to so many people, portraying diverse characters in her career. An intelligent, lively, and humorous figure on stage and screen. Her distinguished work saw her portray leaders, parents, and royalty." "She will always be remembered as the legendary, determined, lively, and insightful 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 every single role." The statement continued she was their "devoted mother, our beloved grandmother and great-grandma", and her husband John Alderton's "eternal partner" "Warm, funny, generous, thoughtful, wise, she was constantly supportive," they expressed, appreciating her carers, who looked after her with "respect, empathy, and above all affection" "She experienced a more peaceful goodbye. We ask that you recall her at the height of her powers; radiant and energetic; and allow us privacy to contemplate a life without her" Stage Success She initially performed the lead part of Shirley Valentine at the Vaudeville Theatre in the UK capital in 1988. She received that year's Olivier award for outstanding actress. The following year she returned to the character on Broadway, New York, where she earned several awards including a prestigious Tony award. The film of the same name was launched shortly after. Additional movie roles included the 1991 film City of Joy with Patrick Swayze, shot in Kolkata, which brought her wider recognition globally. A native of Exmouth in 1940, Collins was raised near Liverpool and began her professional life as a educator. Her passion for theater inspired her to pursue acting on a part-time basis, and in 1957 she had a cameo role as a medical attendant in the Emergency Ward 10. She starred in the film Secrets of a Windmill Girl in 1966, portraying an imaginary performer in a London striptease nightclub, the Windmill Theatre. Following several theater parts, she used her Liverpool accent to secure a part on the show The Liver Birds. It was through acting that she encountered her spouse John Alderton. They married in 1969 and had three children, Nicholas, Kate, and Richard. The couple performed alongside each other in a number of television and film roles, such as Upstairs, Downstairs, in which she portrayed a servant in the acclaimed ITV program.