Pauline Collins Pauline Collins Pauline Collins, (born 3 September 1940), is an English actress of stage, television, and film, who first came to prominence portraying Sarah Moffat in "Upstairs, Downstairs" (1971–73) and its spin-off, "Thomas & Sarah" (1979). In 1992, she released her autobiography, titled "Letter to Louise". Collins played the title role in the play "Shirley Valentine", for which she won an Olivier Award in 1988, and Drama Desk and Tony Awards in 1989. She reprised the role in the 1989 film adaptation, winning the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role and receiving Golden Globe and Academy Award
Shirley Valentine (film) holiday romance. Shirley Valentine is a 42-year-old Liverpudlian bored housewife whose life and initially enriching marriage has settled into a narrow and unsatisfying rut, leaving few real friends and her childhood dreams unaccomplished. When her flamboyant friend Jane (Alison Steadman) wins a trip for two to Greece, Shirley uncharacteristically puts herself first and accepts Jane's invitation. Shirley feels considerable self-doubt, and ultimately only goes because of unexpected encouragement from her neighbour Gillian (Julia McKenzie) who drops her air of superiority to reveal her respect and emotional support of Shirley's plans, and former school enemy Marjorie Majors (Joanna Lumley) who reveals