The Renowned Actress Pauline Collins, Lead Actress of Shirley Valentine, Passes Away at 85
The celebrated actress Pauline Collins, widely recognized for her performance in the movie Shirley Valentine, has died at the eighty-five years old.
Her passing was peaceful in her London care home, in the company of her loved ones after living with Parkinson's disease for a number of years, as stated by her relatives.
Her legacy will be defined for her depiction of disgruntled housewife Shirley in the director's award-winning film, adapted from the acclaimed theatrical production by playwright Willy Russell.
Her critically acclaimed performance won her the Golden Globe Award for best actress along with a Bafta.
'Charming and Witty'
Collins' family said in a statement: "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 distinguished work 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 parts of her because her magic was contained in every single role."
They added she was their "loving mum, our beloved grandmother and great-grandma", and actor John Alderton's "eternal partner"
"Kind, humorous, giving, considerate, intelligent, she was constantly supportive," they expressed, thanking her caregivers, who cared for her with "respect, empathy, and above all affection"
"She experienced a calmer departure. We ask that you recall her at the peak of her career; so joyful and full of energy; and allow us privacy to reflect on life in her absence"
New York Theater
She initially performed the lead part of Shirley Valentine at the Vaudeville Theatre in the UK capital in 1988. She received that year's Olivier award for best actress.
The following year she reprised the role on the New York stage, where she picked up numerous prizes including a prestigious Tony award.
The film of the same name was released later that year.
Additional movie roles included 1991's City of Joy with Patrick Swayze, shot in Kolkata, which brought her wider recognition worldwide.
Born in Exmouth in 1940, she grew up near Liverpool and started out her career as a educator.
Her passion for theater 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 featured in the film Secrets of a Windmill Girl in 1966, playing a fictional dancer in a London adult entertainment venue, the Windmill Theatre.
Following several theater parts, she employed her regional dialect to secure a part 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 alongside each other in a number of television and film roles, such as the series Upstairs, Downstairs, in which she portrayed a servant in the acclaimed ITV program.
