Birds of a Feather star Pauline Quirke has been diagnosed with dementia
The 65-year-old will retire from all professional and commercial duties
Last updated 21st Jan 2025
Birds of a Feather actress Pauline Quirke MBE has announced she's taking a step back from acting, after being diagnosed with Dementia at the age of 65.
Pauline's husband Steve Sheen announced the news in a statement to PA, 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 has facilitated many young people’s progression and interest in the arts, and enhanced their self-confidence.'
He went on to add: 'Her acting career has now come to a close, but PQA, with its network of approximately 250 academies and over 15,000 students across the UK, remains robust and will continue to operate as normal in accordance with Pauline’s ideology.
'We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period. 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.'
Pauline has enjoyed a hugely-successful career over the last 40 years, landing a few small roles in various TV shows, before the launch of her own comedy sketch show Pauline's Quirkes in 1976. From there, Pauline went on to appear in hit shows like Angels, Theodopolopodous and of course, Birds of a Feather, alongside her two best friends Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph.
Pauline has also appeared in a number of popular dramas over the years, including the likes of Missing, Skins, Broadchurch, Cold Blood, Casualty and The Bill. Between 2010-2012, Pauline starred in ITV/STV soap Emmerdale as Hazel Rhodes.
In 2007, Pauline and her husband Steve opened the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), a place for young children and aspiring actors to learn. For the 2022 Birthday Honours list, the actress was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to young people, the entertainment industry and charity.
Away from acting, Pauline is a proud mum to two children and a loving wife to producer Steve Sheen.
You can find more information and support for dementia from the NHS.