Pauline Collins, best known for her role in Shirley Valentine, has passed away at the age of 85.
Surrounded by her family members, the British actress breathed her last on Thursday, November 6, in a care home in London.
Collins’ family confirmed the sad news of her passing and paid a heartfelt tribute to her in an emotional statement, writing, "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 continued. "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," the message ended.
According to a report by BBC Collins had Parkinson’s disease for several years.
After making her West End debut in 1962 the UK-born artist starred in the one-woman play titled Shirley Valentine in 1988. She reprised her role on Broadway and in the film version in 1989.
Her performance as the bored housewife who comes alive when she meets a man in Greece, Collins was praised widely, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress nomination.
Additionally, she won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical.
Collins is survived by her husband John Alderton, her three children, Nicholas, Kate, and Richard, and her family.