The Renowned Actress Pauline Collins, Lead Actress of the Film Shirley Valentine, Dies at the Age of 85
Pauline Collins, best known for her role in the movie Shirley Valentine, has passed away at the eighty-five years old.
She died peacefully in her London residence, surrounded by her loved ones after battling Parkinson's for several years, according to her relatives.
Her legacy will be defined for her portrayal of unhappy homemaker Shirley in the director's award-winning motion picture, based on the acclaimed stage play by Willy Russell.
Her critically acclaimed performance also earned her the Golden Globe for outstanding actress as well as a Bafta.
'Sparkling Personality'
Her relatives said in a statement: "She was a multifaceted person to countless individuals, playing a variety of roles in her career. An intelligent, lively, and humorous figure on theater and film. Her distinguished work saw her portray leaders, parents, and royalty."
"Her memory will endure 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 charm was embedded in every single role."
They added she was their "loving mum, our wonderful grandma and great-grandma", and actor John Alderton's "life-long love"
"Warm, funny, generous, thoughtful, wise, she was always there for us," they said, thanking her carers, who cared for her with "dignity, compassion, and most of all love"
"She experienced a calmer departure. We hope you will remember her at the peak of her career; radiant and energetic; and allow us privacy to reflect on life in her absence"
Stage Success
She initially performed the title role of Shirley Valentine at the Vaudeville Theatre in London in 1988. She received that year's Olivier Award for outstanding actress.
The following year she reprised the role on Broadway, New York, where she picked up numerous prizes including a prestigious Tony award.
The movie adaptation was released later that year.
Additional movie roles included 1991's City of Joy with actor Patrick Swayze, shot in Kolkata, which brought her wider recognition globally.
A native of Exmouth in 1940, she grew up near the city of Liverpool and began her professional life as a educator.
Her love of the stage inspired her to pursue acting on a part-time basis, and in 1957 she appeared briefly as a medical attendant in the Emergency Ward 10.
She featured in the film Secrets of a Windmill Girl in 1966, playing a fictional dancer in a London adult entertainment venue, the Windmill Theater.
Following several theater parts, she used her Liverpool accent to secure a part on The Liver Birds.
Her acting career that she met her husband John Alderton. They wed in 1969 and had three children, their sons and daughter.
Alderton and Collins starred together in a variety of screen projects, such as Upstairs, Downstairs, in which she portrayed a servant in the acclaimed ITV program.
