Pauline Collins, the celebrated British actress best known internationally for her Oscar-nominated performance in Shirley Valentine, has passed away at the age of 85. According to a statement from her family, Collins died peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones after a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s disease.
The family’s heartfelt tribute described her as "so many things to so many people," highlighting her vibrant personality and her ability to portray a wide array of characters throughout her illustrious career. "A bright, sparky, witty presence on stage and screen," the statement continued, "she played politicians, mothers, and queens." However, it was her iconic role as Shirley Valentine that left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. "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."
Born on September 3, 1940, in Exmouth, Pauline Collins trained at the prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. She began her career in the 1970s and gained recognition for her role as the storied domestic character, Sarah Moffat, in the acclaimed television series Upstairs, Downstairs and its spinoff, Thomas & Sarah.
Collins achieved international fame in 1989 with her remarkable performance in Shirley Valentine, a film adaptation of Willy Russell's play. Her portrayal of a middle-aged, working-class housewife from Liverpool who embarks on a transformative journey to Greece earned her widespread acclaim. In recognition of her talent, Collins received the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress before winning the BAFTA for Best Actress in a Leading Role for the same role. Although she was nominated for an Academy Award, the Oscar that year went to Jessica Tandy for her performance in Driving Miss Daisy.
In the late 1990s, Collins showcased her versatility by taking on the formidable role of Harriet Smith in the television drama The Ambassador. She later appeared in notable films such as You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger (2010) and Quartet (2012), where she starred alongside renowned actors like Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, and Billy Connolly. Her final film, The Time of Their Lives, released in 2017, featured her in a road movie alongside Joan Collins and Franco Nero.
Pauline Collins leaves behind a rich legacy marked by her incredible performances and the joy she brought to audiences around the world. She will be remembered not just for her roles, but for the warmth and charisma she exuded both on and off the screen. Her impact on the film and television industry is undeniable, and her contributions will continue to resonate with fans for generations to come.
