Pauline Quirke
Pauline Quirke is a distinguished English actress renowned for her extensive contributions to television and film over a career spanning five decades. Born on July 8, 1959, in Hackney, London, she began her acting journey as a child, featuring in series such as “Dixon of Dock Green.” Her early prominence was marked by “Pauline’s Quirkes,” her own comedy sketch show in 1976. She gained widespread recognition portraying Sharon Theodopolopodous in the sitcom “Birds of a Feather” (1988–1999, 2014–2017). Beyond this, Quirke delivered notable performances in productions like “The Sculptress,” “Emmerdale,” and “Broadchurch.” In 2022, she was honored with an MBE for her services to entertainment, charity, and young people.
Early Life and Education
Pauline Perpetua Quirke was born on July 8, 1959, in Hackney, London, England. Growing up in a working-class family, she developed a love for acting early on. She attended a local school in Hackney but left formal education early to pursue her dream of acting. Quirke’s talent became evident when she began acting at the age of 8. Her natural ability to perform led to roles in children’s television shows, setting the stage for a successful acting career.
Personal Life
Pauline Quirke married Steve Sheen in 1996, and the couple shares a strong and supportive relationship. Together, they have two children, including their son Charlie Sheen (not to be confused with the American actor). Quirke is known to value her privacy, often keeping her personal life out of the limelight.
Her life has also been marked by challenges, including significant weight struggles that she overcame through lifestyle changes. In recent years, she has taken a step back from acting to focus on her health and family.
Family
Pauline Quirke has always emphasized the importance of family. While the names of her parents are not publicly disclosed, she often speaks fondly of her upbringing in Hackney. Her children, including her son Charlie, have pursued creative endeavors, inspired by their mother’s career.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pauline Perpetua Quirke |
| Date of Birth | July 8, 1959 |
| Place of Birth | Hackney, London, England |
| Occupation | Actress, Writer |
| Years Active | 1970–2025 |
| Spouse | Steve Sheen (married in 1996) |
| Children | Two, including son Charlie Sheen |
| Parents | Not publicly disclosed |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Net Worth (2024) | Estimated at £1.5 million |
Career Highlights
Early Career
Pauline Quirke’s acting journey began in the late 1960s when she appeared in children’s television shows. One of her first notable roles was in Dixon of Dock Green. By the 1970s, she had her own comedy sketch show, Pauline’s Quirkes, showcasing her comedic talent at a young age.
Breakthrough Role: Birds of a Feather
In 1989, Pauline Quirke landed the role of Sharon Theodopolopodous in the sitcom Birds of a Feather. The show became a massive hit and ran for over a decade, cementing her status as a household name. The series was revived in 2014, bringing her character back to the spotlight.
Other Notable Roles
Quirke showcased her range as an actress by taking on dramatic roles, including:
- The Sculptress (1996): An acclaimed performance that earned her a BAFTA nomination.
- Broadchurch (2013–2017): A gripping drama where she played Susan Wright, a mysterious and complex character.
- Emmerdale (2010): Quirke joined the soap opera as Hazel Rhodes, receiving praise for her portrayal of a heartfelt and emotional storyline.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
In 2007, Pauline founded the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts, which has grown into a successful enterprise, providing acting and performance training to young people across the UK.
Career Highlights Table
| Year | Project/Role | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Dixon of Dock Green | Early television appearance as a child actor. |
| 1976 | Pauline’s Quirkes | Starred in her own comedy sketch show, showcasing her comedic talent. |
| 1989–1998 | Birds of a Feather | Played Sharon Theodopolopodous in the hit sitcom. |
| 1996 | The Sculptress | Earned critical acclaim and a BAFTA nomination for her dramatic performance. |
| 2007 | Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts | Founded the academy to train young actors across the UK. |
| 2010 | Emmerdale | Portrayed Hazel Rhodes in the popular British soap opera. |
| 2013–2017 | Broadchurch | Played Susan Wright, a mysterious and complex character in the crime drama. |
| 2014–2020 | Birds of a Feather Revival | Reprised her role as Sharon in the reboot of the beloved sitcom. |
| 2021 | Announcement of Dementia Diagnosis | Stepped back from acting to focus on her health and family. |
This table provides a concise summary of her career trajectory and key achievements.
Latest News: Pauline Quirke Steps Back from Acting Following Dementia Diagnosis
Renowned English actress Pauline Quirke, celebrated for her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the sitcom Birds of a Feather, has announced her retirement from all professional and commercial activities after being diagnosed with dementia in 2021. Her husband, Steve Sheen, shared that Quirke, 65, intends to focus on spending quality time with her family. He emphasized her significant contributions to the entertainment industry, charitable endeavors, and the successful establishment of the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), which operates approximately 250 academies across the UK. The family has requested privacy during this period.
Height and Physical Appearance
Pauline Quirke stands at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm). Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her relatable and authentic on-screen presence, often portraying characters with depth and sincerity. In recent years, she underwent a significant weight loss transformation, reportedly shedding three stone by eliminating sugar and alcohol from her diet and incorporating long walks into her routine.
Net Worth as of 2024
As of 2024, Pauline Quirke’s net worth is estimated to be around £1.5 million. This valuation reflects her earnings from a prolific acting career, spanning television, film, and stage performances, as well as her entrepreneurial endeavors, including the establishment of the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts.
FAQS
What does Pauline Quirke do now?
Pauline Quirke has retired from acting after being diagnosed with dementia in 2021. She now focuses on her health, family, and private life.
Why have Pauline and Linda fallen out?
Reports suggest Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson had creative differences during the Birds of a Feather revival, which led to Pauline stepping away from the show. However, both have refrained from publicly discussing the details.
What happened to Sharon in Birds of a Feather?
In the 2020 special episode, Sharon’s absence was explained as her decision to stay abroad, marking the character’s off-screen departure from the series.
What does PQA stand for in acting?
PQA stands for Pauline Quirke Academy, a network of performing arts schools she founded to train young actors in acting, singing, and dancing.
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