What was Pauline Collins' film debut? Career highlights explored following Upstairs, Downstairs actress' death at 85

Pauline Collins made her debut in the film industry as Pat Lord in the 1966 British exploitation film Secrets of a Windmill Girl. However, Collins had been acting since 1962, when she made her first stage debut in A Gazelle in Park Lane at Windsor, Berkshire. Before becoming an actress, Collins worked as a teacher.

Pauline has an extensive filmography over the last five decades. She appeared in 14 films, more than 45 television shows and series, as well as 15 plays, playing various roles and characters.

Collins also won several awards during her lifetime, including a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her role in Shirley Valentine. She also won a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her role in Shirley Valentine, the British romantic comedy film, among others.

The 85-year-old actress passed away in November 2025 in a care home. She was suffering from Parkinson's disease.

Pauline Collins' career highlights

Many would agree that Pauline Collins' most memorable character is Shirley Valentine. She played the role of Shirley in both the 1989 film and the play at the Vaudeville Theatre and the Booth Theatre (1988 - 1989).

Even her family mentioned Collins' role as Shirley Valentine in their tribute. They wrote:

"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. 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."

However, the role that brought her fame was not Shirley Valentine. She rose to the spotlight while she played the character of Sarah Moffat in the British drama television series, Upstairs, Downstairs. She appeared in the first two series, and her husband joined her on the second one.

Pauline Collins and her husband, John Alderton, had a spinoff of Upstairs, Downstairs, based on their characters Sarah Moffat and Thomas Watkins. The show was called Thomas & Sarah. Sarah was a house and nursery maid, while Thomas was a chauffeur. They played a couple in the spinoff.

Pauline Collins won nine awards for her work during her lifetime. These include:

• Laurence Olivier Award: Actress of the Year in a New Play (1988) - Shirley Valentine
• Drama Desk Award: Outstanding Actress in a Play (1989) - Shirley Valentine
• Drama League Award: Distinguished Performance Award (1989) - Shirley Valentine
• Outer Critics Circle Award: Outstanding Actress in a Play (1989) - Shirley Valentine
• Theatre World Award: Best Actress (1989) - Shirley Valentine
• Tony Award: Best Actress in a Play (1989) - Shirley Valentine
• BAFTA Award: Best Actress in a Leading Role (1990) - Shirley Valentine
• Evening Standard British Film Award: Best Actress (1990) - Shirley Valentine
• Golden Apple Award: Best Actress (1990) - Shirley Valentine

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Pauline Collins' remarkable career spanned over five decades, from her early stage days to her award-winning roles on screen. Best known for Shirley Valentine and Upstairs, Downstairs, she brought warmth and depth to every character she played. Her legacy as a talented, witty, and beloved actress will continue to inspire generations to come.

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