stepping back
Pauline Quirke’s husband Steve Sheen’s heartbreaking statement in full as he reveals Birds Of A Feather star’s dementia
Her proud spouse branded Pauline an ‘inspiration’ as he shared the sad news with fans
PAULINE Quirke’s husband Steve Sheen has released a heartbreaking statement revealing her dementia diagnosis.
Actress Pauline, 65, who has starred in Birds of a Feather, The Sculptress and Broadchurch, is stepping down from professional duties after being diagnosed with the disease.
Pauline Quirke’s husband Steve Sheen has released a heartbreaking statement revealing her dementia diagnosis
Pauline has had a glittering career in TV and filmCredit: AlamyDuring her glittering 50-year career, she was 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 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 for services to young people, the entertainment industry and charity.
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.”
Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders (top) with Pauline and Linda Robson pose with noses while filming of the Birds of a Feather sketch in 1991Credit: Getty
Pauline was awarded her MBE for services to Young People, to the Entertainment Industry and to Charity in the Queen’s Birthday Honours listCredit: PA
Pauline receiving her MBE from Prince William in 2022Credit: PA
