Pauline Quirke, beloved Birds of a Feather star, diagnosed with dementia at 65
Pauline Quirke Steps Away from Spotlight
Pauline Quirke, famed for her cheeky role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in hit sitcom Birds of a Feather, has been diagnosed with dementia, her husband Steve Sheen has revealed.
Steve shared a heartfelt statement:
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my wife Pauline’s decision to step back from all professional and commercial duties due to her diagnosis of dementia in 2021.”
He added:
“Pauline has been an inspiration through her work in film and TV, her charity endeavours, and as founder of the hugely successful Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts. Her talent, dedication, and vision have touched countless lives and will continue to do so through her incredible legacy.”
A Glittering Career of Stage and Screen
Pauline’s acting achievements span decades. She’s impressed fans with roles in Broadchurch, Emmerdale, The Sculptress, Skins, Cold Blood, and Maisie Raine.
Her accolades are just as impressive — from multiple National Television Award nods and British Comedy Award nominations to twice being up for BAFTAs for The Sculptress and Broadchurch.
The Woman Behind the Pauline Quirke Academy
Off-screen, Pauline founded the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts in 2007. Today, it boasts 250 locations across the UK and helps over 15,000 young performers build confidence and a passion for the arts.
Her dedication to youth and the entertainment world earned her an MBE in 2022, presented by Prince William himself in recognition of her services to young people and performing arts.
Pauline’s Legacy Lives On
Fans and colleagues have flooded social media with support and admiration. Steve Sheen summed it up:
“Pauline’s legacy in the arts and her influence on aspiring actors will live on through her work and the academy she so passionately built.”
Though she’s stepping back from public life, Pauline Quirke’s enormous contribution to British TV and performing arts will never be forgotten.
