Exmouth-born actress Pauline Collins dies aged 85

Pauline Collins, the award-winning actress best known for her role in Shirley Valentine, has died aged 85. 

The Exmouth-born star passed away peacefully after living with Parkinson’s disease.

The stage and screen version of Shirley Valentine brought her multiple awards, including a BAFTA and a Golden Globe, and cemented her as one of Britain’s most recognisable actresses.

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Born in Exmouth in 1940, Pauline spent part of her early life in the South West before moving north. She began her career as a teacher but pursued acting part-time, appearing in television and stage roles throughout the 1960s. 

Her breakthrough came with the BBC comedy The Liver Birds in 1969, and she later starred in series including Upstairs, Downstairs, Bleak House, and Dickensian.

Her career was marked by versatility, with Pauline portraying a wide range of characters from stage to screen. She won critical acclaim for her performances on Broadway, including a Tony Award for Shirley Valentine, and appeared in films such as City of Joy alongside Patrick Swayze and Quartet in 2012.

Pauline is survived by her husband, actor John Alderton, and their three children. Her family described her as a “bright, sparky, witty presence” and a “loving mum, grandma, and great-grandma,” remembering her for the joy and energy she brought both on and off stage.

Local residents and fans in Devon have paid tribute to Pauline as one of the county’s most celebrated cultural figures, highlighting the pride of having an Exmouth-born star achieve international acclaim while maintaining strong ties to her roots.