Popular TV actress Valerie Mahaffey passes away at the age of 71
Valerie Mahaffey
, Emmy-winning actress who was adored for her offbeat charm and memorable performances on Northern Exposure and Big Sky, passed away at 71. Her husband, actor Joseph Kell, has confirmed that she died on Friday, May 30, after a fight against cancer.
"I lost the love of my life, and America lost one of its loveliest actresses. She will be missed," said Kell in a moving statement. Mahaffey's publicist, Jillian Roscoe, also told PEOPLE of her death.
Renowned for her impeccable timing and radiant screen presence, Mahaffey established a distinguished and varied body of work in television and films. She received an Emmy Award for playing the charmingly offbeat Eve in Northern Exposure (1991–1994), an achievement that brought her widespread critical approval and a loyal fan base.
Her TV work included stints on Desperate Housewives (2006–2012), Young Sheldon (2017–2020), and Dead to Me (2019–2022), where she continued to prove her versatility and warmth in each part.
Mahaffey also excelled on the big screen with notable roles in French Exit (2020) with Michelle Pfeiffer, Sully (2016) with Tom Hanks, Seabiscuit (2003), and the family comedy Jungle 2 Jungle (1997).
Aside from her awards, Mahaffey was also celebrated for her humility, kindness, and passion for her work. Her death creates a deep sense of loss in the industry, but she will be remembered through the numerous characters she portrayed and the way she affected viewers globally.
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