Pauline Quirke Faces Private Battle with Dementia, Friends Reveal
Beloved British actress Pauline Quirke, renowned for her iconic role as Sharon Theodopolopodous on Birds of a Feather, is facing a deeply personal health struggle. Insiders now reveal that the actress is living with dementia, a condition that has prompted concern from her closest friends and family.
Lesley Joseph, 80, Quirke’s longtime co-star, has spoken candidly about her friend’s situation, describing Pauline, 66, as “not okay now” and confirming plans to visit her soon. Joseph and Linda Robson, both of whom starred alongside Quirke in the hit comedy, have remained close through the years, witnessing both the highs of her career and the challenges she faces today.
Pauline received her dementia diagnosis earlier this year, leading her family to prioritize her care. Though Joseph had previously kept her friend’s condition private, she opened up in an interview with Bella Magazine, saying: “Pauline isn’t too well since being diagnosed with dementia some time ago. She’s not okay now. I haven’t had time, but I’m going to go up and see her next week.”
Joseph also paid tribute to Quirke’s extraordinary talent, highlighting her memorable performances across British television, from Birds of a Feather to The Sculptress, Broadchurch, and Emmerdale. “I take my hat off to Pauline. She’s amazing,” Joseph said, while emphasizing the importance of respecting her privacy during this difficult period.
Drawing from her own experience, Joseph spoke about caring for her mother, who lived to nearly 104, reflecting on the resilience and energy her mother exhibited even in later years. “In her nineties, she was still playing tennis and so full of life. She was an amazing character,” Joseph recalled.
Quirke’s husband, Steve Sheen, confirmed in January that she would be stepping back from her 50-year career due to the illness. Linda Robson added a heartfelt perspective: “It’s very sad. We’ve been best friends since we were ten. I’ve known about the diagnosis for three years, and we’ve tried to keep it quiet. She doesn’t know who anybody is. She doesn’t recognize me or her children. Dementia is terrible.”
Conclusion
Pauline Quirke’s diagnosis serves as a sobering reminder that even beloved public figures face deeply personal struggles. Her contribution to British television remains indelible, yet behind the fame lies a very human story of vulnerability and resilience. As friends and family rally to support her, fans continue to express their admiration, concern, and hope that she receives the care and comfort she needs during this challenging chapter of her life.