Pauline Collins Shines as Shirley Valentine, the Escaping Housewife in Greece
Pauline Collins, a renowned actress, has captivated audiences for decades. Her career began in the mid-1960s and has since enjoyed numerous highlights. She is particularly celebrated for her role in “Shirley Valentine,” where she portrays the character of an escaping housewife in Greece.
Early Career
Collins made her West End debut in 1965 with “Passion Flower Hotel.” This production took place in a provocative setting of a girls’ school. Her film debut followed in 1966 with “Secrets of A Windmill Girl,” where she played a stripper who resisted stripping.
Television and Theatre Appearances
Throughout the late 1960s, Collins established her reputation in light comedy. She portrayed Samantha Briggs in the “Doctor Who” serial “The Faceless Ones” in 1967. Although offered a chance to become a companion for the Doctor, she declined. However, she returned to the “Doctor Who” franchise in 2006 as Queen Victoria in “Tooth and Claw.”
In 1969, she participated in the pilot episode of “The Liver Birds.” Her breakthrough role came in 1971 with the series “Upstairs, Downstairs,” where she played Sarah. This role became immensely popular, leading to her return as a recurring character. She reappeared during a significant storyline involving the Bellamys’ first grandchild.
Collins continued to thrive in live theatre during the 1970s. She starred in productions such as “Come As You Are” and a revival of “The Happy Apple” in 1970. Additionally, she was featured as a Liverpool schoolteacher in the 1974 play “Judies.”
Personal Life
Collins met actor John Alderton while working on the comedy “The Night I Chased the Women With an Eel” in 1969. The couple had previously collaborated on the television series “Emergency – Ward 10.” They married in 1970.
Success in Sitcoms
Among her noteworthy achievements, Collins garnered acclaim for her role as Clara Danby in the ITV sitcom “No – Honestly.” This sitcom, based on Charlotte Bingham’s novels, showcased her talent alongside Alderton, who played her more experienced spouse.
Today, Pauline Collins remains a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry, particularly for her dynamic portrayal in “Shirley Valentine.” This role reflects her ability to resonate with audiences, perfectly capturing the essence of a housewife seeking freedom in Greece.
