Birds Of A Feather star Pauline Quirke, 65, reveals dementia diagnosis and steps back from acting after 50-year career
Pauline Quirke is stepping down from professional duties after being diagnosed with dementia, her husband has said.
The actress, 65, starred in Birds of a Feather, The Sculptress and Broadchurch during a glittering 50-year career.
She was also awarded an MBE in the late Queen’s final Birthday Honours in 2022, receiving the award from Prince William at Buckingham Palace.
A statement from her husband Steve Sheen said: “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.
“Pauline has been an inspiration through her work in the film and TV industry, her charity endeavours and as the founder of the very successful Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA).
“Her talent, dedication, and vision have touched countless lives and will continue to do so through the legacy of her work and through PQA where her vision and guidance has facilitated many young peoples’ progression and interest in the Arts and enhanced their self-confidence.”
Pauline starred as Sharon Theodopolopodous in Birds of a Feather, which ran on the BBC and then ITV across nearly 30 years.
She was also nominated for BAFTAs for her roles in The Sculptress and ITV’s Broadchurch.
In total, Pauline appeared in more than 60 TV and films, including Emmerdale and Casualty.
Across her career, she was nominated for Best TV Comedy Actress in the British Comedy Awards, Best Newcomer in the British Soap Awards and had multiple nominations for Most Popular Actress and Most Popular Comedy Performer at the National Television Awards.
Since stepping down from acting, the actress launched the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts.
The academy now has 250 sites with 15,000 students across the UK.
Her work with aspiring actors and contributions to charitable causes saw her awarded an MBE.
The actress looked overjoyed when she met William as he gave her the MBE for her services to young people, the entertainment industry and charity.
She looked incredible in a chic black coat, leather boots and a net fascinator hat.
Pauline also beamed as the Prince of Wales placed his hand on her shoulder to congratulate her.
Hilary Evans-Newton, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We are saddened to hear of Pauline’s diagnosis and send our best wishes to her, Steve and the wider family.
“The family should be praised for making the brave decision to make her diagnosis public, which will not only provide more freedom for them, but also raise such vital awareness of the condition.
“We’re so grateful that Pauline and Steve have pledged to support our work when the time is right. We look forward to working with them to raise further awareness of dementia and funds for research.”
Full statement from Pauline's husband Steve Sheen
“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.
“Pauline has been an inspiration through her work in the film and TV industry, her charity endeavours and as the founder of the very successful Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA).
“Her talent, dedication, and vision have touched countless lives and will continue to do so through the legacy of her work and through PQA where her vision and guidance has facilitated many young peoples’ progression and interest in the Arts and enhanced their self-confidence.
“Pauline is perhaps best known as Sharon Theodopolopodous from Birds of a Feather, the hilarious sitcom that ran for nearly 30 years.
“In drama, her BAFTA-nominated role in The Sculptress, was outstanding, as was her role as the mysterious Susan Wright in ITV’s Broadchurch.
“Demonstrating her acting versatility, she also starred or appeared in more than 60 TV and film productions, including Carrie’s War, North and South, Casualty, Cold Blood, Thieving Headmistress, My Family, You, Me and the Apocalypse, and of course Emmerdale.
“During her epic 50 year career, Pauline has been nominated for many awards, including Best TV Comedy Actress in the British Comedy Awards, Best Newcomer in the British Soap Awards and has received multiple nominations for Most Popular Actress and Most Popular Comedy Performer in the National Television Awards (NTAs).
“In 2022, Pauline was awarded an MBE in the late Queen’s final Birthday Honours.
“It was a heartfelt recognition of her incredible work with young people, her contributions to entertainment, and her dedication to charitable causes.
“Her acting career has now come to a close, but PQA, with its network of approximately 250 academies and over 15,000 students across the UK, remains robust and will continue to operate as normal in accordance with Pauline’s ideology.
“Our experienced senior leadership team will maintain the Academies’ success and growth, building on the foundations, ethos and philosophy that Pauline has inspired from the beginning in 2007.
We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period.
“For the time being we will not be engaging in interviews or making further statements, since Pauline just wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren.
“We are deeply grateful for the support from her peers, the public, and the dedicated staff and Principals at PQA.”