‘Shirley Valentine’ Star Dies at 85 – Cause of Death Revealed

Pauline Collins, best known for her unforgettable role in Shirley Valentine, has died at the age of 85. According to a statement from her family, she passed away “peacefully” at a care home in London, surrounded by loved ones. Collins had been living with Parkinson’s disease for several years.

Her family shared, “Pauline died peacefully aged 85 in her London care home surrounded by her family having had Parkinson’s disease for several years.”

Collins became a household name after playing Shirley Valentine, a bored Liverpool housewife who rediscovers herself during a trip to Greece, in the 1989 film directed by Lewis Gilbert.

The movie was based on the hit stage play by Willy Russell, in which Collins had also starred on stage before bringing the role to the big screen. Her touching and funny performance won her a Golden Globe for Best Actress and a BAFTA Award, and she was also nominated for an Academy Award in 1990.

But her career began long before Shirley Valentine made her an international star. Collins first rose to fame in the 1960s, appearing in the popular British TV series Upstairs, Downstairs, where she played the kind-hearted maid Sarah Moffat. The role made her a beloved figure on British television and led to the spin-off series Thomas & Sarah, where she reprised her role.

Throughout her career, Collins appeared in many stage and screen productions. Some of her other notable films include Paradise Road, City of Joy, and Quartet. She also appeared in several TV dramas, such as Bleak House, Doctor Who, and The Ambassador. Known for her warmth and natural charm, she had a career that lasted more than five decades and earned her respect from audiences and colleagues alike.

Outside of acting, Collins was married to actor John Alderton for more than 50 years. The couple often worked together and were one of Britain’s most loved showbusiness pairings.

Pauline Collins leaves behind a legacy of heartfelt performances that touched audiences around the world. Her portrayal of Shirley Valentine remains one of the most memorable in British cinema, a woman who found freedom, laughter, and confidence later in life, much like the actress herself seemed to embody.

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