Pauline Quirke Interview
Exclusive - The Real Me
Actress Pauline on being a child star, best friend Linda Robson and her performing arts academies for children
Exclusive footage of our interview with Pauline
I’m incredibly lucky.
How many jobs are there where people can say they get out of bed at 4.30 in the morning and really enjoy going to work?
I was nine years old when I got into acting.
There weren’t many extra-curricular activities when I was at school – well, other than country dancing. And at the time I had a wart on my hand, which meant none of the other kids wanted to be my partner. So I ended up doing drama instead.
I’ve ended up having the most incredible life
People always tell me they’re surprised by how normal I am. I find it quite funny. I mean, why wouldn’t I be?
It’s not like I’m a
brain surgeon.
Acting was never about being famous to me.
We went along to drama lessons and had fun. If I’d got any airs and graces, my mum would have given me a clip round the ear.
It’s 20 years since my mum died of bone cancer but I still miss her terribly.
She was a massive influence on my life. My mum single-handedly brought me and my brother and sister up, so we didn’t have much money. Maybe that’s why I’m not extravagant now, although I do spend money on things such as holidays.
I’ve had a fantastic life.
I’ve met people that someone from my background would never have had the opportunity to.
I met Linda [Robson] when I was five and she was six, at primary school.
We’re both from Irish families and our mums knew each other, so we had lots in common.
We were friends long before we were actresses.
I think the success of Birds Of A Feather was partly down to our chemistry. We’re really comfortable in each other’s presence and we’re still close now. We meet up and talk, mainly about our children. And when we were filming we just used to have a laugh.
When it comes to the type of roles I play, I’ve never got parts for my looks
So it’s not like I’m going to lose parts as I get older. As far as I’m concerned I’m going to grow old disgracefully.
One thing I’ve noticed over the years is how people are becoming obsessed with fame…
…which concerns me as a parent. That’s one of the reasons I decided to set up my academies for performing arts, called PQA. I wanted to help children get back to basics and enjoy themselves. The premise of the academies is to have good old-fashioned fun, not fame.
It’s easy for kids to feel demoralised if they never get picked for anything at school.
But at the weekend they can come along to lessons and be part of a small community. PQA is my legacy. We offer some free places to those who can’t afford it.
It used to cost only 10p a lesson when I went to drama classes
And because of that hobby being so affordable it means I’ve ended up having the most incredible life. I count my blessings every single day.
Pauline Quirke tells Tesco magazine how important her performing arts academy is to her
For details on Pauline’s academies, visit www.pqacademy.com or call 08456 732022