Celebrated actress Pauline Quirke is stepping away from public life after being diagnosed with dementia, her husband Steve Sheen has revealed.
ITV News reported that the 65-year-old star of the beloved sitcom Birds of a Feather will retire from “all professional and commercial duties” following her diagnosis in 2021.
In a heartfelt statement, Sheen shared the news publicly for the first time, saying:
“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 have facilitated many young people’s progression and interest in the arts and enhanced their self-confidence.”
Born in London, Quirke rose to stardom as Sharon Theodopolopodous on the long-running sitcom Birds of a Feather, a role that earned her a British Comedy Award. Her illustrious career also included acclaimed performances in Broadchurch, Emmerdale, and The Sculptress.
In 2022, Quirke was awarded an MBE in recognition of her contributions to entertainment, her charitable efforts, and her dedication to empowering young people through the arts.
Though her acting career has come to a close, the Pauline Quirke Academy continues to thrive. The network boasts approximately 250 academies and over 15,000 students across the UK. According to Sheen, the academy will “continue to operate as normal in accordance with Pauline’s ideology”.
The family has requested privacy as Quirke spends time with her loved ones. “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,” Sheen said.
