The family of Pauline Quirke announced her dementia diagnosis earlier today (January 21), with the actress “stepping back” from her professional life.
Sadly, however, the Birds of a Feather star, 65, is not the only famous face living with the illness.
From soap legends to Hollywood stars, here, ED looks at the celebs who are battling – or have previously lived with – dementia.
Family of Pauline Quirke share dementia diagnosis
Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis was announced by her husband, Steve Sheen.
The award-winning actress has appeared in numerous popular television shows such as Emmerdale, Broadchurch and The Sculptress.
However, she is “stepping back” from her professional life after her diagnosis, which came in 2021. Steve shared that it was with a “heavy heart” that he shared news of the star’s diagnosis with her fans.
Fiona Phillips
Former GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips was diagnosed with the disease in 2022 and shared the news publicly in July 2023. Fiona, 64, lost both of her parents to the disease, which she says “ravaged” her family.
She said she expected to have Alzheimer’s in her eighties, not in her sixties. According to Fiona, she suffered months of brain fog and anxiety before her diagnosis.
Dame Barbara Windsor
EastEnders icon Barbara Windsor was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014. In 2018, she went public with her condition.
Husband Scott Mitchell said at the time: “The last few years have been really hard for both Barbara and me as we got used to the profound effect dementia has had on our lives.
The last few years have been really hard.
“I have seen many changes in Barbara since her diagnosis and at times its effects can be stronger than others. Despite all the changes in Barbara, there is still so much of her there. Her humour, wit and care for others, for example. It is her humour I love the most – we have always laughed a lot.”
Sadly, in December 2020, she passed away, aged 83.
Barbara – who played Peggy Mitchell – was described as a “national treasure” by Prince William in a tribute following her death. Scott has worked tirelessly – both following Barbara’s diagnosis and after her death – to raise awareness for the disease.
Celebs living with dementia – Bruce Willis
Hollywood star Bruce Willis, 69, stepped away from acting back in 2022 following health issues. He was diagnosed with aphasia – which leads to difficulties writing and speaking – and frontotemporal dementia.
Frontotemporal dementia is the most common type of dementia in people under 60. The Die Hard star has since stepped away from acting.
Julie Goodyear diagnosed with dementia
Coronation Street icon Julie Goodyear’s dementia diagnosis was announced in June 2023. Her husband – Scott Brand – revealed that the Bet Lynch actress had been experiencing “forgetfulness” for some time before the diagnosis.
The news was difficult for the couple to process, with them finding out that Julie’s condition would get “progressively, and perhaps speedily, worse”.
Scott added: “We have taken the decision to publicly announce the diagnosis as Julie still loves visiting friends and eating out. Inevitably she is recognised, and fans love to meet her – and she them – but she can get confused particularly if she is tired. I hope people will understand.”
Robin Williams
Actor Robin Williams died in 2014 at the age of 63. The iconic actor – best known for roles in Mrs. Doubtfire and Aladdin – took his own life.
Following his death, an autopsy revealed that Robin had advanced stages of Lewy Body dementia – a less common form of dementia.
Alastair Stewart is living with dementia
Former ITV, ITN and GB News frontman Alastair Stewart revealed his dementia diagnosis in September 2023.
He stepped down from ITV News in 2021, before taking a position with GB News. He announced his retirement earlier in 2023 – then revealed that he had been diagnosed with dementia.
“The headline story, and it is relatively dramatic, I suppose, is that about six, nine months ago, I began to feel one of my favourite words: a bit discombobulated.
“I wasn’t becoming forgetful but things like doing up your shoelaces properly – that’s how I wear these lovely moccasins now – making sure your tie was straight, remembering that the call time for your programme is four o’clock and not five o’clock, not turning up early or late, and stuff like that.”
Read more: Amy Dowden declares she ‘hates cancer’ as she announces death of friend
For help and advice if you or a loved one is living with dementia, contact the Alzheimer’s Society here.
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