Pauline Collins, the beloved actress known for her role in *Shirley Valentine*, has died at the age of 85. Her family confirmed that she passed away peacefully in a care home in Highgate, London, surrounded by loved ones. Collins had been battling Parkinson's disease for several years. In a heartfelt statement, her family described her as a "warm, funny, generous, thoughtful and wise" individual. They expressed their heartbreak, stating, "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." Collins rose to fame in the early 1970s with her role as Sarah Moffat in *Upstairs, Downstairs* and later starred in the BBC sitcom *The Liver Birds*. However, it was her portrayal of the title character in *Shirley Valentine* that solidified her status as a screen legend. This role earned her a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress and a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. She also received an Academy Award nomination for the film adaptation released in 1989. Her family highlighted her iconic performance, stating, "She will always be remembered as the iconic, strong-willed, vivacious and wise Shirley Valentine – a role that she made all her own." They also acknowledged her contributions as a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Collins was married to fellow actor John Alderton for 56 years. Alderton praised her talent, saying, "Pauline Collins was a remarkable star. I had the great good fortune to have worked with her more than any other actor in our many TV series, films and West End stage shows together, and watched her genius at close quarters." Throughout her career, Collins appeared in various television series and films, including *Doctor Who*, *Emergency Ward 10*, and *Bleak House*. She also starred in *Quartet*, directed by Dustin Hoffman, in 2013. Her family expressed gratitude to her carers, describing them as "angels who looked after her with dignity, compassion, and most of all love." They requested privacy as they mourn the loss of a remarkable woman, hoping that she will be remembered at the height of her powers, "so joyful and full of energy." Pauline Collins leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and a loving family, including her three children, Nicholas, Kate, and Richard, as well as her daughter Louise, whom she reunited with after giving her up for adoption in 1964. Her passing marks the end of an era for fans of British theatre and television, as she will be remembered for her significant contributions to the arts.