Pauline trained at the Brendan Smith Academy of Acting in Dublin and went on to appear in rep in the North of England and the Dublin Globe Theatre. She appeared in the 1962 O'Casey season at London's Mermaid Theatre and starred in the West End productions of 'The Poker Session' and 'The Hostage'. Her other theatre credits include 'Richard III'. She is married to Gerry Simpson, with whom she has a daughter, Sarah.