Pauline Quirke’s son Charlie’s heartbreaking tribute to his ‘selfless’ mum revealed amid secret dementia battle
THIS is the heartbreaking tribute that Pauline Quirke’s son Charlie paid to his ‘selfless’ mum amid her secret dementia battle.
He took to Instagram on the day she was awarded her MBE for services to charity and the entertainment industry.
In February 2023, the Birds Of A Feather actress met Prince William to receive the honour at Windsor Castle.
Pauline, 65, was originally awarded the medal in the late Queen’s final Birthday Honours in 2022,
But her son Charlie, 30, took to the social media platform that day in a gushing post as he praised his mum for her work and achievements.
He posted a picture of the beaming moment where she spoke with the Prince.
The caption read: “To my beautiful mum. I can’t start to tell you how proud I am of my mum getting her MBE today.
“Her services to charity, young people & the entertainment industry. To the most selfless, funniest and most caring person I know.
“Mad day to be honest. Here’s to you mum.”
This comes after Pauline announced that she’s stepping down from professional duties after being diagnosed with dementia.
A statement from her husband Steve Sheen 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).
“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 peoples’ progression and interest in the Arts and enhanced their self-confidence.”
The actress is best known for her character as Sharon Theodopolopodous in Birds of a Feather, which ran on the BBC and then ITV across nearly 30 years.
She was nominated for a number of BAFTA Awards for her roles in The Sculptress and ITV’s Broadchurch.
In total, Pauline appeared in more than 60 TV and films, which also included Emmerdale and Casualty.