Valerie Mahaffey, star of Desperate Housewives and Young Sheldon, has passed away at the age of 71.
Her publicist, Jillian Roscoe, confirmed that Mahaffey, who had been diagnosed with cancer, died in Los Angeles on Friday.
Speaking to Variety, Valerie’s husband Joseph Kell said: “I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses. She will be missed.”
Her daughter, Alice, paid tribute to her late mother in a heartfelt Facebook post, writing: “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.”
Valerie was known for her ability to bring quirky, eccentric characters to life – roles that endeared her to fans across the years.
Mahaffey was born in Indonesia in 1953 to a Canadian mother and Texan father.
Although best known for her roles on screen, she started her acting career on Broadway in the 1970s.
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Her most memorable TV roles include Eve in Northern Exposure, Alma Hodge in Desperate Housewives, and a frustrated teacher in Young Sheldon.
She also shared the screen with stars like Michelle Pfeiffer and Tom Hanks in films such as French Exit and Sully.
In 1992, she won an Emmy for her portrayal of Eve, an extreme hypochondriac, in CBS’ Northern Exposure.
Tributes poured in across social media as fans mourned the beloved actress’s passing.
One fan wrote on X: “RIP Valerie Mahaffey. Thanks for all the laughs,” while another shared:
“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.”
A third posted: “Oh man, Valerie Mahaffey was always one of the most underrated and fantastic character actresses around. She was in EVERYTHING! And no one did soft spoken, passive aggressive viciousness better! So sad to hear she’s passed and only 71. RIP.”
Another tribute read: “Very sad to hear about the passing of Valerie Mahaffey, a brilliant comedian and a gem of a human being.”
The award-winning actress is survived by her husband, Joseph, and their daughter, Alice.
