Valerie Mahaffey, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in hit television series such as Desperate Housewives and Young Sheldon, has died at the age of 71. Her family confirmed her passing on Friday in California after she succumbed to cancer. Mahaffey's publicist announced the sad news to The Hollywood Reporter, emphasizing the profound loss felt by her family and fans alike.
Her husband, Joseph Kell, expressed his grief in a statement to Variety, stating, "I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses." Their daughter, Alice, also shared her heartache on Facebook, noting, "I don't really have the words to say right now. Cancer sucks. I’ll look for you in all the fun moments of life. I know that's where you'll be."
During her illustrious career, Mahaffey garnered significant recognition, winning an Emmy Award in 1992 for her outstanding performance as Eve in the dark comedy Northern Exposure. Prior to that, she received a daytime Emmy for her role in the soap opera The Doctors, which aired from 1979 to 1981. Her film credits include notable works such as Sully and Seabiscuit, alongside a recent role in French Exit that earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination.
Born in Sumatra, Indonesia, to a Canadian mother and an American father, Mahaffey moved to Texas during her teenage years. She began her on-screen career in 1977 with the film Tell Me My Name and went on to star in an array of popular series, including medical drama ER, the dystopian The Man in the High Castle, and the musical comedy Glee.
Mahaffey is perhaps best remembered for her memorable portrayal of Alma Hodge, the clever ex-wife of Orson Hodge, in Desperate Housewives. Additionally, she played a strong role as teacher Victoria MacElroy in Young Sheldon, a spin-off of the widely-loved show The Big Bang Theory.
As tributes pour in from fans and colleagues, Mahaffey’s legacy in the entertainment industry will continue to inspire future generations.
Her husband, Joseph Kell, expressed his grief in a statement to Variety, stating, "I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses." Their daughter, Alice, also shared her heartache on Facebook, noting, "I don't really have the words to say right now. Cancer sucks. I’ll look for you in all the fun moments of life. I know that's where you'll be."
During her illustrious career, Mahaffey garnered significant recognition, winning an Emmy Award in 1992 for her outstanding performance as Eve in the dark comedy Northern Exposure. Prior to that, she received a daytime Emmy for her role in the soap opera The Doctors, which aired from 1979 to 1981. Her film credits include notable works such as Sully and Seabiscuit, alongside a recent role in French Exit that earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination.
Born in Sumatra, Indonesia, to a Canadian mother and an American father, Mahaffey moved to Texas during her teenage years. She began her on-screen career in 1977 with the film Tell Me My Name and went on to star in an array of popular series, including medical drama ER, the dystopian The Man in the High Castle, and the musical comedy Glee.
Mahaffey is perhaps best remembered for her memorable portrayal of Alma Hodge, the clever ex-wife of Orson Hodge, in Desperate Housewives. Additionally, she played a strong role as teacher Victoria MacElroy in Young Sheldon, a spin-off of the widely-loved show The Big Bang Theory.
As tributes pour in from fans and colleagues, Mahaffey’s legacy in the entertainment industry will continue to inspire future generations.
