Yahoo Lifestyle ‘David Copperfield’ and ‘Broadchurch’ Star to Retire After ‘Difficult’ Health Diagnosis
British actress Pauline Quirke will no longer be accepting roles or doing any public-facing work while managing a recent health diagnosis.
Her husband, Steve Sheen, explained that she decided to take a "step back from all professional and commercial duties" after being diagnosed with dementia a few years ago.
"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," Sheen said in a statement shared on Tuesday, Jan. 21, publicly revealing her diagnosis for the first time.
"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)," he continued. "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."
“We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period," Sheen's statement concluded. "Pauline just wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren."
Quirke, 65, rose to fame for portraying Sharon Theodopolopodous on the long-running sitcom Birds of a Feather (1989–2017) and won a British Comedy Award for the role. She also appeared in several other hits, including the TV mini-series David Copperfield (1999), Down to Earth (2000–2003), Skins (2010), Emmerdale Farm (2010–2012), the ITV soap opera The Sculptress, and Broadchurch (2013–2015).
Her charity later shared another statement on Instagram, thanking fans for the incredible support since the news broke.
"We have been deeply moved by the messages that we have received," it wrote. "And 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."
The message concluded, "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. We want to assure you all that things will continue as normal at PQA, and that we remain committed to delivering outstanding performing arts tuition. We hope you will join us in sending our love and support to Pauline, Steve and their family as well as respecting their wishes for privacy."
Next: Castle Alum Susan Sullivan Reveals New Health Diagnosis After Cancer Battle
