The Renowned Actress Pauline Collins, Lead Actress of the Film Shirley Valentine, Dies at 85
The celebrated actress Pauline Collins, widely recognized for her performance in the movie Shirley Valentine, has died at the age of 85.
She died peacefully in her London care home, in the company of her family after battling Parkinson's disease for several years, according to her family.
Her legacy will be defined for her portrayal of unhappy homemaker Shirley in Lewis Gilbert's award-winning film, adapted from the celebrated stage play by playwright Willy Russell.
Her critically acclaimed performance won her the Golden Globe for outstanding actress as well as a BAFTA award.
'Sparkling Personality'
Her relatives released a statement saying: "She was a multifaceted person to countless individuals, playing a variety of roles in her life. A bright, sparky, witty presence on theater and film. Her illustrious career 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 aspects of her personality because her magic was contained in each one of them."
The statement continued she was their "loving mum, our beloved grandmother and great-grandma", and actor John Alderton's "life-long love"
"Warm, funny, generous, thoughtful, wise, she was constantly supportive," they said, thanking her caregivers, who looked after her with "respect, empathy, and above all affection"
"She could not have had a more peaceful goodbye. We hope you will remember her at the peak of her career; radiant and energetic; and give us the space and privacy to reflect on life in her absence"
Broadway Role
She initially performed the lead part of Shirley Valentine at the Vaudeville Theatre in the UK capital in 1988. She won that year's Olivier Award for best 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.
Her other films included 1991's City of Joy with Patrick Swayze, shot in Kolkata, which gained her international fame worldwide.
Born in Exmouth in 1940, she grew up near the city of Liverpool and started out her career as a teacher.
Her passion for theater inspired her to pursue acting on a part-time basis, and in 1957 she appeared briefly as a nurse in the Emergency Ward 10.
She featured in the film Secrets of a Windmill Girl in 1966, portraying an imaginary performer in a London adult entertainment venue, the Windmill Theatre.
Following several theater parts, she used her Liverpool accent to land a role on the show The Liver Birds.
It was through acting that she encountered her spouse John Alderton. They wed in 1969 and had three children, their sons and daughter.
The couple performed together in a variety of screen projects, such as Upstairs, Downstairs, in which she played a maid in the acclaimed ITV program.
