25 Facts About Pauline Collins

Early Life and Background

Pauline Collins is a celebrated actress with a career spanning several decades. Her journey from a young girl in England to a renowned star is filled with interesting tidbits.

1. Born on September 3, 1940, in Exmouth, Devon, England, Pauline Collins grew up in a family with Irish roots.
2. Her father, William Henry Collins, was a school headmaster, while her mother, Mary Honora Callanan, was a teacher.
3. Pauline attended Sacred Heart High School and later studied at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London.
4. Before pursuing acting, she worked as a teacher, following in her parents' footsteps.

Career Beginnings

Pauline's acting career began in the 1960s, and she quickly made a name for herself in both television and theater.

5. Her first major television role was in the British soap opera "Emergency – Ward 10" in 1964.
6. She made her stage debut in 1965, performing in the play "Passion Flower Hotel."
7. Pauline gained widespread recognition for her role as Sarah Moffat in the television series "Upstairs, Downstairs" (1971-1973).
8. She reprised her role as Sarah Moffat in the spin-off series "Thomas & Sarah" in 1979.

Breakthrough Role

Pauline's career reached new heights with her performance in the play "Shirley Valentine," which later became a film.

9. She starred in the one-woman play "Shirley Valentine" in 1988, written by Willy Russell.
10. Her performance in "Shirley Valentine" earned her the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
11. Pauline reprised her role in the 1989 film adaptation of "Shirley Valentine," which brought her international fame.
12. For her role in the film, she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

Personal Life

Beyond her professional achievements, Pauline's personal life is equally fascinating.

13. Pauline married actor John Alderton in 1969, and the couple has three children together.
14. She has a daughter, Louise, from a previous relationship with actor Tony Rohr.
15. Pauline and John Alderton have frequently worked together, appearing in several television series and films.
16. The couple starred together in the popular British sitcom "No, Honestly" in 1974.

Later Career

Pauline continued to work in television, film, and theater, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

17. She appeared in the British television series "The Ambassador" (1998-1999), playing the role of Harriet Smith.
18. Pauline starred in the film "Mrs. Caldicot's Cabbage War" in 2002, playing the titular character.
19. She played the role of Queen Victoria in the 2010 film "Albert Nobbs."
20. Pauline appeared in the popular British television series "Mount Pleasant" from 2011 to 2017.

Awards and Honors

Pauline's talent and contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognized with numerous awards and honors.

21. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2001 for her services to drama.
22. Pauline received a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in "Shirley Valentine."
23. She was awarded the British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy Actress in 1992 for her role in "Forever Green."
24. Pauline received the Women in Film and Television Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.

Fun Facts

Pauline's life is filled with interesting and lesser-known facts that add to her charm.

25. She is an accomplished author, having written her autobiography "Letter to Louise" in 1992, which details her search for her daughter whom she had given up for adoption.

Pauline Collins: A Remarkable Journey

Pauline Collins has had an incredible career spanning decades. From her early days on British television to her iconic role in "Shirley Valentine," she's left a lasting mark on the entertainment industry. Her versatility as an actress, combined with her dedication to her craft, has earned her numerous awards and accolades.

Beyond her professional achievements, Collins' personal life is equally fascinating. Her marriage to fellow actor John Alderton and their family life show a balance between career and home. Her charitable work and advocacy for various causes highlight her commitment to making a difference.

Pauline Collins' story is one of talent, perseverance, and heart. Whether on screen or off, she continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. Her legacy is a testament to her remarkable journey and enduring impact on the world of entertainment.