Pauline Collins, the esteemed British actress widely recognized for her iconic portrayal in “Shirley Valentine,” passed away peacefully on Thursday in London at the age of 85. The BBC reported that she died in a care home, surrounded by her loving family, after battling Parkinson’s disease for several years.

Her family released a poignant statement to the BBC, highlighting her multifaceted presence: “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.” They further celebrated her illustrious career, noting, “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.”

Born in Exmouth, Devon, Pauline Collins received her education at the prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama in London. Before embarking on her acting career, she initially worked as a teacher. Her professional acting journey began with her West End debut in “Passion Flower Hotel” in 1962, followed by her first film role in “Secrets of a Windmill Girl” in 1966.

Collins became a familiar face on British television, appearing as Samantha Briggs in Doctor Who’s “The Faceless Ones” in 1967, where she starred alongside Patrick Troughton and Frazer Hines. In the 1970s, she took on the role of Sarah in the beloved series “Upstairs, Downstairs,” featuring regularly throughout its run.

A pivotal moment in her career came in 1988 when she starred in the one-woman play “Shirley Valentine.” She then reprised this celebrated role on Broadway and in the subsequent 1989 film adaptation. In her portrayal of a bored housewife who finds renewed zest for life after an encounter in Greece, Collins earned critical acclaim, receiving a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress and winning the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical.

Following her success with “Shirley Valentine,” Collins continued to grace screens, starring in ITV’s “Forever Green,” a series created and written by Terence Brady and Charlotte Bingham. Her significant contributions to drama were officially recognized in 2001 when she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2001 Birthday Honours.

Pauline Collins is survived by her devoted husband, John Alderton, her three children, Nicholas, Kate, and Richard, and her wider family, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of stage and screen.