Valerie Mahaffey, the award-winning actress known for her roles in Desperate Housewives, Young Sheldon, and Northern Exposure, has died at 71.
Mahaffey, who had been battling cancer, passed away Friday in Los Angeles, according to her publicist. She is survived by her husband, Joseph Kell, and their daughter, Alice.
Her husband said, “I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses. She will be missed.”
Born in Sumatra, Indonesia, in 1953, Mahaffey spent her childhood in several countries before settling in Austin, Texas. She earned a BFA from the University of Texas and began her career on Broadway.
Her breakthrough came as Eve in Northern Exposure, a role that earned her the 1992 Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
She later appeared in Seinfeld, ER, Frasier, Glee, Desperate Housewives, Young Sheldon, Dead to Me, and Big Sky, as well as films including Seabiscuit and Sully.
In Desperate Housewives, she played Alma Hodge, while on Young Sheldon she portrayed Sheldon’s teacher, Victoria MacElroy.
Mahaffey leaves behind a remarkable four-decade career and a legacy of memorable performances.
She will be deeply missed.