Hollywood has tragically lost another talented soul. Emmy Award-winning actress Valerie Mahaffey, best known for her roles in “Desperate Housewives” and “Young Sheldon,” has sadly died at the age of 71. Her death was confirmed by her publicist, Jillian Roscoe. The actress passed away on May 30 in Los Angeles following a lengthy and private battle with cancer.
Born in Indonesia but raised in Texas, Mahaffey’s career spanned decades. It showcased her incredible ability to be versatile across TV, film, and stage, making her a well-known triple threat. The actress was known for playing quirky, funny, intelligent, and often scene-stealing characters in well-known shows. She left an undeniable and unforgettable mark on the entertainment industry.
Career Highlights
Mahaffey had other notable roles on TV, including in Christina Applegate’s “Dead to Me,” “Glee,” “Devious Maids,” “Big Sky,” alongside Reba McEntire, and “Northern Exposure,” among others. Her portrayal of Eve in the latter earned her an Emmy Award in 1992. She played a pivotal role in the show’s storylines during its 1990 to 1995 run.
Mahaffey was most recently seen in Apple TV’s series “Echo 3.” She also starred in the 2020 film “French Exit,” alongside Lucas Hedges and Michelle Pfeiffer. Her performance as Madame Reynard in the film earned her a well deserved nomination for an Independent Spirit Award.
As far as her stage journey, it began in the 1970s after she relocated to New York City at a young age. She appeared in Broadway productions such as “Dracula” and “Play Memory” in 1984. Mahaffey also starred in several Off-Broadway plays, “Top Girls” and “Talking Heads,” and acted in several theater classics such as “Romeo and Juliet” and “Othello.”
Mahaffey appeared in several films throughout the years, including “The 8th Day,” as well as “No Pay Nudity,” “My First Wedding,” and “Summer Eleven” in 2010, a project she both starred in and produced.
It was her television career that put her on the spot as one of Hollywood’s most prolific actresses. She made several guest appearances in shows such as “Private Practice,” “The Mindy Project,” “Seinfeld,” “The Powers That Be,” “Quantum Leap,” “Cheers,” “Judging Amy,” “CSI,” and “Law & Order: SVU.” Many believed she had a unique ability to create vivid, multi-dimensional characters that left an impact on the show.
Fans Pay Tribute to Valerie Mahaffey
Mahaffey is survived by her husband, Joseph Kell, and their daughter, Alice. In a statement following her death, Kell said, “I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses. She will be missed.”
Fans and peers who worked with the actress have shared tributes on social media, thanking her for the remarkable work she did throughout the years. Several are remembering Mahaffey for her charm, talent, and lasting impact on and off the screen.
“RIP to the dear, sweet, funny #valeriemahaffey she was a breath of fresh air, joy and laughs as “Eve” on #northernexposure we all adored her,” one fan said on X.
Another one wrote, “RIP Valerie Mahaffey. Thanks for all the laughs #ifyouknowyouknow #northernexposure.”
“RIP to a wonderful character actress. No matter the episode count or number of lines she would have, Valerie Mahaffey made an impression. Loved her as Frasier’s secretary & on Big Sky,” one shared.
Her legacy lives on in the countless characters she brought to life and the audiences she touched throughout her career.
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Fans Shower Emmy Award-Winning Actress Valerie Mahaffey Upon Her Passing