Pauline Quirke has been diagnosed with dementia, as confirmed by her husband, Steve Sheen. The Birds of a Feather star, 65, will be stepping away from all commercial and professional duties following her diagnosis, which was first made in 2021.
In addition to her iconic role in Birds of a Feather, Pauline Quirke is also known for her work in Emmerdale, Broadchurch, and for her BAFTA-nominated performance in The Sculptress.
In a statement revealing Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis for the first time, her husband Steve Sheen expressed, “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 continued, “Pauline has been an inspiration through her work in the film and TV industry, her charity endeavours, and as the founder of the highly 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 have helped many young people progress and develop a deeper interest in the arts, while enhancing their self-confidence.”
Steve also acknowledged Pauline’s most iconic role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in Birds of a Feather, the beloved sitcom that ran for nearly 30 years.
In his statement, Steve Sheen continued, “In drama, her BAFTA-nominated role in The Sculptress was outstanding, as was her portrayal of the mysterious Susan Wright in ITV’s Broadchurch. Demonstrating her acting versatility, she also starred or appeared in over 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 remarkable 50-year career, Pauline has been nominated for numerous awards, including Best TV Comedy Actress at the British Comedy Awards, Best Newcomer at the British Soap Awards, and multiple nominations for Most Popular Actress and Most Popular Comedy Performer at the National Television Awards.”
“In 2022, Pauline was awarded an MBE in the late Queen’s final Birthday Honours, a heartfelt recognition of her incredible work with young people, her contributions to entertainment, and her commitment to charitable causes.”
“Her acting career has now come to a close, but the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), with its network of around 250 academies and over 15,000 students across the UK, remains strong and will continue to operate as normal in alignment with Pauline’s vision. Our experienced senior leadership team will maintain the academy’s success and growth, building upon the foundation, ethos, and philosophy that Pauline inspired from the very beginning in 2007.”
“We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this challenging time. For the time being, we will not be engaging in interviews or making further statements, as Pauline wishes to spend time with her family, children, and grandchildren.”
Steve Sheen added, “We are deeply grateful for the support from her peers, the public, and the dedicated staff and principals at PQA.”
Pauline married Steve in 1996, and together they have a son, Charlie, 30, who has followed in his mother’s acting footsteps, even appearing in the 2019 revival of Birds of a Feather. Pauline also has a daughter, Emily, 40, from a previous relationship.
Her last public appearance was in February 2023, when she was awarded an MBE by Prince William for her services to young people, entertainment, and charity.
Hilary Evans-Newton, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, expressed in a statement, “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 share her diagnosis publicly, which will not only provide more freedom for them but also raise vital awareness of the condition.”
She added, “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.”
Pauline Quirke is best known for her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous on the beloved comedy Birds of a Feather. She starred alongside Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph from 1988 to 1999, and again in the revival from 2014 to 2017. In the sitcom, Sharon and Tracey, played by Pauline and Linda, are sisters who are forced to move in together after their spouses are arrested for armed robbery. They form a close bond with their next-door neighbor Dorien, portrayed by Lesley, who has a penchant for younger men.
In 2022, reports emerged suggesting Pauline was involved in a feud with her former co-star Linda, but Pauline later denied these claims.#newsafro_
