Birds of a Feather star Pauline Quirke reveals dementia diagnosis aged 65
Actor was first diagnosed with the disease in 2021
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Pauline Quirke has been diagnosed with dementia, her husband Steve Sheen has announced.
The Birds of a Feather star, 65, is best known for playing Sharon Theodopolopodous in the much-loved sitcom alongside Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph from 1988 to 1999.
Quirke, who has also had roles in Emmerdale and Broadchurch, was first diagnosed with the disease in 2021. She will now âÂÂstep away from all commercial and professional dutiesâÂÂ.
The BAFTA-nominated actorâÂÂs last public appearance came in February 2023, when she was awarded an MBE by Prince William for service to young people, entertainment and charity.
In his statement, QuirkeâÂÂs husband Sheen said: âÂÂIt is with a heavy heart that I announce my wife PaulineâÂÂs decision to step back from all professional and commercial duties due to her diagnosis of Dementia in 2021.
âÂÂPauline 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).
âÂÂHer 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 peoplesâ progression and interest in the Arts and enhanced their self-confidence.âÂÂ
âÂÂBirds of a Featherâ star Pauline Quirke has been diagnosed with dementia (Getty Images )
The number of people in England being diagnosed with dementia is at an all-time high â with a record 487,432 people living with a diagnosis, according to the latest figures.
Dementia is an umbrella term for progressive conditions associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. AlzheimerâÂÂs disease is the most common, and a timely diagnosis is vital.
On average, people live between eight to 10 years after an AlzheimerâÂÂs diagnosis. However, some live for a further 20 years or more.
SheenâÂÂs statement continued: âÂÂPauline 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 ITVâÂÂs Broadchurch.
Linda Robson,Lesley Joseph and Pauline Quirke in the stage version of âÂÂBirds of a Featherâ in 2012 (Rex Features)
âÂÂDemonstrating her acting versatility, she also starred or appeared in more than 60 TV and film productions, including CarrieâÂÂs War, North and South, Casualty, Cold Blood, Thieving Headmistress, My Family, You, Me and the Apocalypse, and of course Emmerdale.âÂÂ
He noted: âÂÂDuring 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.
âÂÂIn 2022, Pauline was awarded an MBE in the late QueenâÂÂs 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.âÂÂ
Pauline Quirke being made an MBE (PA Archive)
QuirkeâÂÂs husband added that although her acting career has now âÂÂcome to a closeâ the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing arts, which has over 15,000 students across the UK, will continue to operate.
Sheen added Quirke and her family would not be making any further statements as the star âÂÂjust wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildrenâÂÂ.
âÂÂWe are deeply grateful for the support from her peers, the public, and the dedicated staff and Principals at PQA,â he added.
Quirke, Robson and Joseph meet the Queen at ITV studios (Getty Images )
Hilary Evans-Newton, Chief Executive of AlzheimerâÂÂs Research UK, said in a statement on Tuesday: âÂÂWe are saddened to hear of PaulineâÂÂs diagnosis and send our best wishes to her, Steve and the wider family.
âÂÂThe 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.
âÂÂWeâÂÂre 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.âÂÂ