Birds of a Feather star Pauline Quirke has stepped back from acting after being diagnosed with , her husband has revealed.
But she’s far from the only star battling the condition. and Carry On legend Barbara Windsor was a huge advocate for research before she succumbed to the disease in December 2020, passing “peacefully” at a London care home with her husband Scott Mitchell.
She’s far from the only one, however. American singer Glenn Campbell publicly announced his Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2011, becoming a patient at a long-term care centre in 2014. He sadly died in 2017 at the age of 81.
actor James Doohan, who rose to fame as Scotty in the hit sci-fi show alongside William Shatner, was also diagnosed with both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease before he died in 2005 at the age of 85.
And Rita Hayworth, Ronald Reagan and AC/DC co-founder Malcolm Young all suffered from dementia before their deaths.
But which celebrities are still battling the condition?
Prunella Scales
Actress Prunella Scales has been battling dementia for decades (Image: Getty)
Timothy West’s widow and Canal Journeys co-star Prunella Scales was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2013 – but she had been struggling since at least 2001 with symptoms.
Timothy told Alzheimer’s UK before his death: “I didn’t really know anything about Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. But I was aware that something was bothering Pru when I saw her perform on stage at Greenwich Theatre in 2001.
“Always a consummate professional who knew all her lines, I noticed that she was grappling for some of the script. It wasn’t until 2013 that Pru was actually diagnosed with vascular dementia. I don’t recall us being pushed towards any specific treatment or support.”
The actress, who met her husband Timothy in a TV play on the , is now 92 years old.
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Bruce Willis
Bruce Willis is battling frontotemporal dementia (Image: Getty)
In February 2023, family confirmed that he has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia after an initial diagnosis of aphasia.
Bruce, 69, had been struggling with speech and communication before his “cruel” FTD diagnosis. A statement from his family read: “Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD).
“Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”
They added: “FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone. For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know.
“Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. As Bruce’s condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research.”
Pauline Quirke
Pauline Quirke was diagosed with dementia in 2021 (Image: Getty)
Birds of a Feather star Pauline Quirke stepped back from acting this month as her husband Steve Sheen confirmed she’s been diagnosed with dementia.
Pauline, 65, was diagnosed in 2021, with Steve confirming: “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.”
Fiona Phillips
Fiona Phillips was heartbreakingly diagnosed aged 61 (Image: Getty)
Former GMTV host and ITV newsreader Fiona Phillips announced her diagnosis in 2023 after suffering months of brain fog and anxiety, aged just 61.
Her mother, father and uncle had also suffered from the disease and been “decimated” by it. Fiona said at the time: “It’s something I might have thought I’d get at 80. But I was still only 61 years old My poor mum was crippled with it, then my dad, my grandparents, my uncle. It just keeps coming back for us.”
Fiona underwent drug trials at University College Hospital for Miridesap, which aims at slowing the effects of the disease. She said: “Poor Martin [my husband], he has been injecting my stomach every day, he has been brilliant.
“The drugs are brand new and they’re expecting a lot from this and so am I.”
Julie Goodyear
Julie Goodyear also has dementia (Image: Getty)
icon Julie Goodyear, who shot to fame as Bet Lynch in the soap, was diagnosed with dementia in 2023 at the age of 81.
Now 82, Julie’s condition was confirmed by her husband Scott Brand, who said: “My darling wife and I have had to come to terms with this heartbreaking diagnosis.
“Unfortunately, Julie has been suffering forgetfulness for some time and we have been seeking medical advice and assistance – but we now know that there is no hope of a reversal in the situation and that her condition will get progressively, and perhaps speedily, worse.
“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.”