Pauline Quirke announced her dementia diagnosis recently, with the actress “stepping back” from her professional life.
However, the Birds of a Feather star, 65, is not the only famous face who is living with the life-changing illness.
From soap legends to Hollywood stars, here, ED looks at the celebs who are battling – or have previously battled – with dementia.
Pauline Quirke dementia diagnosis
Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis was announced in January 2024 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.
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 80s, not in her 60s. According to Fiona, she suffered months of brain fog and anxiety before her diagnosis.
Barbara Windsor
EastEnders icon Barbara Windsor was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014. In 2018, she went public with her condition. However, 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.
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”.
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 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.
Read more: Amy Dowden declares she ‘hates cancer’ as she announces death of friend
Share your thoughts on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.
The post All the stars who’ve been handed a life-changing dementia diagnosis – from Pauline Quirke to Barbara Windsor and Alastair Stewart appeared first on Entertainment Daily.
Such a tragic disease
The post All the stars who’ve been handed a life-changing dementia diagnosis – from Pauline Quirke to Barbara Windsor and Alastair Stewart appeared first on Entertainment Daily. Entertainment DailyRead More