The beloved Emmy-winning actress Valerie Mahaffey, known for her roles in series such as Young Sheldon, Desperate Housewives, and Northern Exposure, has passed away at the age of 71.
Her publicist, Jillian Roscoe, confirmed that she died on May 30 in Los Angeles.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mahaffey had been battling cancer.
“America Has Lost One of Its Most Endearing Actresses”
Mahaffey’s husband, fellow actor Joseph Kell, honored her memory with a heartfelt statement: “I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses. She will be missed.”
Alice Richards is the couple’s only child.
Friends and colleagues characterized Mahaffey as “naturally kind-hearted” and a woman who “exuded a warm and infectious energy.”
On social media, fans shared heartfelt tributes, praising her unique ability to bring distinctive character to every role.
“Regardless of the episode count or the number of lines she had, Valerie Mahaffey always made an impression,” one fan remarked on X (formerly Twitter).
“She was always JUST right in whatever she was involved in,” another fan stated.
“Whenever her name appeared on the screen, my heart leaped with joy,” a third fan added.
“She was in EVERYTHING! And no one portrayed soft-spoken, passive-aggressive viciousness better! It’s so sad to hear of her passing at just 71. Rest in peace,” one fan expressed on X.
An Award-Winning Career on Screen and Stage
Mahaffey was born in Indonesia on June 16, 1953, and spent her early years there before moving to Nigeria, England, and ultimately the United States. After graduating from the University of Texas in 1975, she promptly embarked on a successful performing career in New York City.
From 1976 to 1984, she made six appearances on Broadway, including significant roles in Harold Prince’s Play Memory and Dracula alongside Raul Julia. Her Off-Broadway performances in Talking Heads and Top Girls earned her two Obie Awards.
Television and Film Roles That Spanned Several Decades
Mahaffey was a versatile actress who infused her unique characters with depth and charm. Her recurring television credits include:
Alma Hodge on Desperate Housewives
Victoria MacElroy on Young Sheldon
Lorna Harding on Netflix’s Dead to Me
Olivia Rice on Devious Maids
Emma Pillsbury’s mother on Glee
Shows such as Seinfeld, Frasier, The West Wing, Big Sky, Quantum Leap, ER, Law & Order: SVU, Cheers, Boston Legal, and Private Practice are merely a selection of the prominent series in which she has featured.
In addition to her significant performances in Jungle 2 Jungle (1997), Seabiscuit (2003), Sully (2016), No Pay, Nudity (2016), and the dark comedy French Exit (2020), where she starred alongside Michelle Pfeiffer and Lucas Hedges, Mahaffey’s portfolio also encompasses other remarkable roles. She received a nomination for an Independent Spirit Award for her portrayal of Madame Reynard. Together with her daughter, she co-produced and acted in the 2010 film Summer Eleven.
