With a remarkable television career spanning decades, Mahaffey will be remembered for her captivating performances and beloved characters.
Valerie Mahaffey, Beloved Emmy-Winning Actress, Passes Away at 71
Valerie Mahaffey, Beloved Emmy-Winning Actress, Passes Away at 71
The star of "Desperate Housewives" and "Young Sheldon" is mourned by family and fans alike.
Valerie Mahaffey, the renowned Emmy-winning actress best known for her roles in popular series such as "Desperate Housewives," "Young Sheldon," and "Big Sky," has tragically passed away at the age of 71. Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news, revealing that Mahaffey succumbed to cancer in California on Friday.
Her publicist shared the news with The Hollywood Reporter, highlighting the profound loss felt by both her family and her extensive fan base. Mahaffey's husband, Joseph Kell, expressed his sorrow, stating, “I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses.”
Daughter Alice took to Facebook to share her grief, lamenting, “Cancer sucks. I’ll look for you in all the fun moments of life. I know that’s where you’ll be.”
Among Mahaffey's most celebrated achievements is her 1992 Emmy win for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Eve in the acclaimed dark comedy "Northern Exposure." Before this, she was awarded a daytime Emmy for her performance in "The Doctors," which aired from 1979-1981. In addition to her television accolades, Mahaffey appeared in notable films like "Sully" and "Seabiscuit."
More recently, she took on the role of Madame Reynard in the 2020 film "French Exit," showcasing her range and talent that earned her a nomination for an Independent Spirit Award.
Born to a Canadian mother and American father in Sumatra, Indonesia, Mahaffey later moved to Texas during her teenage years. She began her film career in 1977 with a role in "Tell Me My Name," ultimately amassing a diverse portfolio over her illustrious five-decade career.
Not only did she leave an indelible mark on daytime and primetime television, but Mahaffey was also recognized for her guest appearances on a wide array of series, including the medical drama “ER,” the dystopian thriller “The Man in the High Castle,” and the iconic musical series “Glee.”
In "Desperate Housewives," her notable character Alma Hodge, the scheming ex-wife of Orson Hodge, captured audience attention for eight thrilling episodes on Wisteria Lane. Additionally, she played teacher Victoria MacElroy in "Young Sheldon," a spin-off of “The Big Bang Theory” that explores the formative years of the show's main character, Sheldon Cooper.
Her publicist shared the news with The Hollywood Reporter, highlighting the profound loss felt by both her family and her extensive fan base. Mahaffey's husband, Joseph Kell, expressed his sorrow, stating, “I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses.”
Daughter Alice took to Facebook to share her grief, lamenting, “Cancer sucks. I’ll look for you in all the fun moments of life. I know that’s where you’ll be.”
Among Mahaffey's most celebrated achievements is her 1992 Emmy win for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Eve in the acclaimed dark comedy "Northern Exposure." Before this, she was awarded a daytime Emmy for her performance in "The Doctors," which aired from 1979-1981. In addition to her television accolades, Mahaffey appeared in notable films like "Sully" and "Seabiscuit."
More recently, she took on the role of Madame Reynard in the 2020 film "French Exit," showcasing her range and talent that earned her a nomination for an Independent Spirit Award.
Born to a Canadian mother and American father in Sumatra, Indonesia, Mahaffey later moved to Texas during her teenage years. She began her film career in 1977 with a role in "Tell Me My Name," ultimately amassing a diverse portfolio over her illustrious five-decade career.
Not only did she leave an indelible mark on daytime and primetime television, but Mahaffey was also recognized for her guest appearances on a wide array of series, including the medical drama “ER,” the dystopian thriller “The Man in the High Castle,” and the iconic musical series “Glee.”
In "Desperate Housewives," her notable character Alma Hodge, the scheming ex-wife of Orson Hodge, captured audience attention for eight thrilling episodes on Wisteria Lane. Additionally, she played teacher Victoria MacElroy in "Young Sheldon," a spin-off of “The Big Bang Theory” that explores the formative years of the show's main character, Sheldon Cooper.
