The Renowned Actress Pauline Collins, Lead Actress of the Film Shirley Valentine, Passes Away at 85
Pauline Collins, best known for her role in the film Shirley Valentine, has died at the age of 85.
Her passing was peaceful in her London residence, surrounded by her loved ones after battling Parkinson's for several years, as stated by her family.
Her legacy will be defined for her portrayal of disgruntled housewife Shirley in Lewis Gilbert's acclaimed film, adapted from the acclaimed theatrical production by playwright Willy Russell.
Her critically acclaimed performance won her the Golden Globe Award for outstanding actress along with a Bafta.
'Witty Presence'
Collins' family said in a statement: "She was a multifaceted person to countless individuals, portraying diverse characters in her life. An intelligent, lively, and humorous figure on theater and film. Her illustrious career saw her portray leaders, parents, and royalty."
"She will always be remembered as the iconic, strong-willed, vivacious and wise Shirley Valentine - a part she completely owned. We knew all those aspects of her personality because her magic was contained in every single role."
The statement continued she was their "loving mum, our beloved grandmother and great-grandma", and her husband John Alderton's "life-long love"
"Kind, humorous, giving, considerate, intelligent, she was constantly supportive," they said, appreciating her carers, who cared for her with "dignity, compassion, and most of all love"
"She could not have had a calmer departure. We hope you will remember her at the height of her powers; radiant and energetic; and allow us privacy to contemplate a life without her"
New York Theater
Collins first played the title role of Shirley Valentine at the Vaudeville Theater in the UK capital in 1988. She won that year's Olivier Award for outstanding actress.
A year later she returned to the character on Broadway, New York, where she earned several awards including a esteemed Tony Award.
The movie adaptation was launched shortly after.
Her other films included the 1991 film City of Joy with Patrick Swayze, filmed in Calcutta, which brought her wider recognition worldwide.
A native of Exmouth in 1940, she grew up near the city of Liverpool and began her professional life as a teacher.
Her love of the stage led her to take up acting on a side basis, and in 1957 she had a cameo role as a medical attendant in the Emergency Ward 10.
She starred 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 secure a part on The Liver Birds.
It was through acting that she met her husband John Alderton. They wed in 1969 and had three children, their sons and daughter.
The couple performed alongside each other in a number of television and film roles, such as the series Upstairs, Downstairs, in which she played a maid in the acclaimed ITV program.
