🔗 Share this article The Renowned Actress Pauline Collins, Star of the Film Shirley Valentine, Passes Away at 85 The celebrated actress Pauline Collins, widely recognized for her role in the movie Shirley Valentine, has died at the age of 85. She died peacefully in her London residence, surrounded by her family after living with Parkinson's for a number of years, according to her relatives. Her legacy will be defined for her portrayal of disgruntled housewife Shirley in the director's acclaimed motion picture, adapted from the acclaimed stage play by playwright Willy Russell. Her critically acclaimed performance won her the Golden Globe Award for outstanding actress along with a Bafta. 'Sparkling Personality' She appeared with her husband John Alderton in the series Upstairs Downstairs, featured between 1971 to 1973 Her relatives released a statement saying: "She was a multifaceted person to countless individuals, portraying diverse characters in her life. A bright, sparky, witty presence on stage and screen. 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 role that she made all her own. We were familiar with all those aspects of her personality because her charm was embedded in every single role." They added she was their "loving mum, our beloved grandmother and great-grandma", and her husband John Alderton's "life-long love" "Warm, funny, generous, thoughtful, wise, she was constantly supportive," they said, appreciating her carers, who looked after her with "respect, empathy, and above all affection" "She experienced a calmer departure. We hope you will remember her at the height of her powers; so joyful and full of energy; and give us the space and privacy to reflect on life in her absence" Broadway Role She initially performed the title role of Shirley Valentine at the Vaudeville Theatre in the UK capital in 1988. She received that year's Olivier Award for outstanding actress. The following year she returned to the character on Broadway, New York, where she picked up numerous prizes including a esteemed Tony Award. The film of the same name was launched shortly after. Additional movie roles included the 1991 film City of Joy with actor Patrick Swayze, filmed in Calcutta, which brought her wider recognition worldwide. A native of 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 TV series 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. After a number of stage roles, she employed her regional dialect 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 a family of three, their sons and daughter. The couple performed alongside each other in a variety of screen projects, such as the series Upstairs, Downstairs, in which she portrayed a servant in the acclaimed ITV program.