Valerie Mahaffey, the Emmy-winning actress known for her captivating roles in shows like "Desperate Housewives," "Young Sheldon," and "Big Sky," has passed away at the age of 71. Her family confirmed that she died in California on Friday, following a battle with cancer, as stated by her publicist to The Hollywood Reporter.
Her husband, Joseph Kell, expressed profound grief in a heartfelt statement to Variety, saying he had "lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses." Their daughter, Alice, shared her sadness on Facebook, poignantly noting, "Cancer sucks. I'll look for you in all the fun moments of life. I know that's where you'll be."
Mahaffey's career began in the 1970s, garnering significant recognition when she won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for her role in "Northern Exposure." She also shone brightly in daytime TV, winning an Emmy for "The Doctors." Her film credits include "Sully" and "Seabiscuit," and she recently appeared as Madame Reynard in "French Exit," earning an Independent Spirit Award nomination.
Born in Sumatra, Indonesia, with a Canadian mother and American father, Mahaffey moved to Texas in her teens. Throughout her impressive five-decade career, she made guest appearances in many famous series, ranging from "ER" to "Glee." In "Desperate Housewives," she left a mark as Alma Hodge, while in "Young Sheldon," she played teacher Victoria MacElroy.
Her diverse range of roles and endearing presence have left an unforgettable impact on both fans and the entertainment industry as a whole.
Her husband, Joseph Kell, expressed profound grief in a heartfelt statement to Variety, saying he had "lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses." Their daughter, Alice, shared her sadness on Facebook, poignantly noting, "Cancer sucks. I'll look for you in all the fun moments of life. I know that's where you'll be."
Mahaffey's career began in the 1970s, garnering significant recognition when she won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for her role in "Northern Exposure." She also shone brightly in daytime TV, winning an Emmy for "The Doctors." Her film credits include "Sully" and "Seabiscuit," and she recently appeared as Madame Reynard in "French Exit," earning an Independent Spirit Award nomination.
Born in Sumatra, Indonesia, with a Canadian mother and American father, Mahaffey moved to Texas in her teens. Throughout her impressive five-decade career, she made guest appearances in many famous series, ranging from "ER" to "Glee." In "Desperate Housewives," she left a mark as Alma Hodge, while in "Young Sheldon," she played teacher Victoria MacElroy.
Her diverse range of roles and endearing presence have left an unforgettable impact on both fans and the entertainment industry as a whole.
