Lesley Joseph has given an update on her Birds of a Feather co-star Pauline Quirke, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2021 and has since retired from acting
Actress Lesley Joseph has shared an update on her Birds of a Feather co-star Pauline Quirke, who was diagnosed with dementia four years ago. Earlier this year, it was revealed that 66-year-old Pauline was retiring from acting after living with the condition for three years.
Pauline starred as Sharon Theodopolopodous alongside Lesley in Birds of a Feather from 1989 to 1998, earning a British Comedy Award for the role in 1990. Speaking at the Variety Club Showbusiness Awards, Lesley discussed Pauline’s health and her plans to visit her soon.
Lesley, 80, told Bella magazine: “Pauline is not too well after being diagnosed with dementia a while ago. She’s not okay now. I haven’t had time, but I’m going to go up and see her next week.”
Pauline’s husband Steve Sheen confirmed her dementia diagnosis and subsequent retirement. In a statement, he praised his wife’s impact on the film and TV industry, her charity work, and her success as the founder of the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA).
He said: “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).”
Just a few years before hanging up her acting boots, Pauline was honoured with an MBE for her contributions to the entertainment industry, youth, and charitable causes.
Moreover, the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts has grown strongly, boasting 250 academies and nurturing over 15,000 students across the UK.
The academy expressed their admiration for Pauline on Instagram, stating: “It has been wonderful to see how many lives Pauline has touched through her work with PQA and in her 50-year career in film and television.
“Improving the lives of young people through the performing arts has been PQA’s ethos since Pauline and Steve opened their first academy in 2007, and remains central to everything that we do.”
Following his wife’s retirement, Pauline’s husband Steve pledged their future support to Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Hilary Evans-Newton, chief executive of the charity, commented on the matter, saying: “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 make her diagnosis public, which will not only provide more freedom for them, but also raise such vital awareness of the condition.
“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.”