Valerie Mahaffey, the Emmy award-winning actress recognized for her significant contributions to television, has sadly passed away at the age of 71. Her family confirmed the news, revealing that she died in California on Friday following a battle with cancer. Mahaffey's career spanned decades, showcasing her talents in popular series such as Desperate Housewives, Young Sheldon, and Big Sky.
In a heartfelt statement, her husband, Joseph Kell, expressed his deep sorrow, stating, "I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses." Their daughter, Alice, shared her grief on Facebook, emphasizing the struggles of cancer and the cherished memories they will continue to hold onto.
Mahaffey is perhaps most well-known for her role as Eve in the dark comedy Northern Exposure, for which she garnered a primetime Emmy in 1992. Prior to that, she received a daytime Emmy Award for her performance in The Doctors, a long-running soap opera. Throughout her career, she also took part in various films, including Sully and Seabiscuit, and recently appeared in French Exit, earning an Independent Spirit Award nomination.
Born in Sumatra, Indonesia to a Canadian mother and American father, Mahaffey's journey led her to Texas during her teenage years. She entered the film industry in 1977, making her debut in Tell Me My Name. Over her impressive five-decade career, Mahaffey graced numerous television shows, including ER and Glee.
In Desperate Housewives, she portrayed Alma Hodge, the scheming ex-wife of Orson Hodge, appearing in eight pivotal episodes. Additionally, she played Victoria MacElroy in Young Sheldon, a series that paints the early life of the iconic character Sheldon Cooper. Mahaffey's impact and the fond memories of her performances will continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
In a heartfelt statement, her husband, Joseph Kell, expressed his deep sorrow, stating, "I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses." Their daughter, Alice, shared her grief on Facebook, emphasizing the struggles of cancer and the cherished memories they will continue to hold onto.
Mahaffey is perhaps most well-known for her role as Eve in the dark comedy Northern Exposure, for which she garnered a primetime Emmy in 1992. Prior to that, she received a daytime Emmy Award for her performance in The Doctors, a long-running soap opera. Throughout her career, she also took part in various films, including Sully and Seabiscuit, and recently appeared in French Exit, earning an Independent Spirit Award nomination.
Born in Sumatra, Indonesia to a Canadian mother and American father, Mahaffey's journey led her to Texas during her teenage years. She entered the film industry in 1977, making her debut in Tell Me My Name. Over her impressive five-decade career, Mahaffey graced numerous television shows, including ER and Glee.
In Desperate Housewives, she portrayed Alma Hodge, the scheming ex-wife of Orson Hodge, appearing in eight pivotal episodes. Additionally, she played Victoria MacElroy in Young Sheldon, a series that paints the early life of the iconic character Sheldon Cooper. Mahaffey's impact and the fond memories of her performances will continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
