The celebrated actress Pauline Collins, best known for her role in the film Shirley Valentine, has died at the eighty-five years old.
She died peacefully in her London care home, in the company of her loved ones after battling Parkinson's for several years, as stated by her family.
Her legacy will be defined for her depiction of disgruntled housewife Shirley in the director's acclaimed film, adapted from the acclaimed theatrical production by Willy Russell.
Her praised acting won her the Golden Globe for best actress along with a Bafta.
'Witty Presence'
Her relatives said in a statement: "She was a multifaceted person to countless individuals, portraying diverse characters in her career. A bright, sparky, witty presence on theater and film. 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 part she completely owned. We knew 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 "eternal partner"
"Kind, humorous, giving, considerate, intelligent, she was constantly supportive," they expressed, appreciating her caregivers, who cared for 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; radiant and energetic; and allow us privacy to contemplate a life without her"
New York Theater
She initially performed the title role of Shirley Valentine at the Vaudeville Theater in London in 1988. She won that year's Olivier award for outstanding actress.
The following year she reprised the role on Broadway, New York, where she picked up numerous prizes including a prestigious Tony award.
The film of the same name was launched shortly after.
Additional movie roles included 1991's City of Joy with Patrick Swayze, filmed in Calcutta, which gained her international fame worldwide.
A native of Exmouth in 1940, Collins was raised near the city of Liverpool and started out her career as a teacher.
Her love of the stage inspired her to pursue 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 Theater.
After a number of stage roles, she used her Liverpool accent to secure a part on The Liver Birds.
Her acting career that she met her husband 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 ITV's popular series.
