Who was Pauline Collins? The Shirley Valentine star passed away at 85 | Mint

Pauline Collins: A Tribute to the Shirley Valentine Star

Veteran British actress Pauline Collins passed away at the age of 85 in London. Her family confirmed the news, stating she died peacefully at her care home, surrounded by loved ones.

Career Highlights

Pauline Collins is best remembered for her iconic portrayal of Shirley Valentine in Lewis Gilbert's film adaptation of the acclaimed Willy Russell stage play. This role, which she first performed on stage at London’s Vaudeville Theatre in 1988, earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress and a BAFTA Award, despite missing out on an Oscar.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born in Exmouth in 1940 and raised near Liverpool, Collins initially trained as a teacher before pursuing acting in the late 1950s. She made her screen debut with a brief nurse role in the British medical drama Emergency Ward 10 in 1957.

Rise to Popularity

She appeared in films like Secrets of a Windmill Girl (1966), portraying a dancer in a London strip club, but her breakthrough came through television. Collins became a household name in the UK with performances in The Liver Birds and Upstairs, Downstairs.

Battle with Parkinson's Disease

Pauline Collins faced several years battling Parkinson's disease before her passing.

"She died peacefully at her London care home, surrounded by her family." — BBC

Pauline Collins remains a celebrated figure for her heartfelt performances and lasting impact on British film and television.

Author's summary: British actress Pauline Collins, renowned for her role as Shirley Valentine, passed away at 85 after battling Parkinson’s, leaving a lasting legacy in stage and screen acting.

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Mint Mint — 2025-11-07

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