Beloved Shirley Valentine and Upstairs, Downstairs actress Pauline Collins dead aged 85

Best known for her role in Shirley Valentine, actress Pauline Collins has died aged 85.

Actress Pauline Collins has died aged 85.

Best known for her Oscar-nominated role in Shirley Valentine, the star’s family said she passed away “peacefully” at her care home in London, surrounded by loved ones, after living with Parkinson’s disease for several years.

In a statement released on Sunday, which came to light on Thursday (06.11.25) evening, her family said: “Pauline was so many things to so many people, playing a variety of roles in her life. A bright, sparky, witty presence on stage and screen. Her illustrious career saw her play politicians, mothers and queens.

“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.

“More than anything, though, she was our loving mum, our wonderful grandma and great-grandma. Warm, funny, generous, thoughtful, wise, she was always there for us. And she was John’s life-long love. A partner, work collaborator, and wife of 56 years.

“We particularly want to thank her carers: angels who looked after her with dignity, compassion, and most of all love. She could not have had a more peaceful goodbye. 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 contemplate a life without her.”

Pauline was married to actor John Alderton, with whom she frequently appeared on stage and screen.

The pair were one of Britain’s best-known acting couples, performing together in Upstairs, Downstairs and Thomas and Sarah.

They had three children – Nicholas, Kate and Richard.

Born in Devon and raised in Wallasey, Cheshire, Pauline trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama after working briefly as a teacher.

Her early television success came in the BBC sitcom The Liver Birds, before her breakthrough role in Shirley Valentine made her an international star.

The 1989 film, adapted from Willy Russell’s stage play, earned her a Best Actress nomination at the Academy Awards and a Golden Globe win for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical.

The film followed the life of a Liverpool housewife who rediscovers herself on a trip to Greece – a performance that became one of the defining portrayals of British cinema in the 1980s.

Pauline’s extensive career also included performances in No Sex Please, We’re British, Wodehouse Playhouse, Forever Green and The Time of Their Lives.

Her stage work spanned decades, with roles in London’s West End and regional theatre productions.

She continued acting well into later life, appearing in film and television projects including Albert Nobbs, The Royale Family, and The Last Detective.

Pauline is survived by her husband John, their children and grandchildren.