RIP | Desperate Housewives star dies

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Valerie Mahaffey, the Emmy-winning actress known for her sharp comedic timing and memorable television roles, has died at the age of 71.

Her family confirmed that she passed away in California following a battle with cancer.

Mahaffey’s publicist confirmed the news, and her husband, actor Joseph Kell, paid tribute to his late wife in a heartfelt statement.

“I’ve lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses,” Kell said.

“She will be missed.”

Their daughter, Alice, also posted an emotional message on Facebook.

“I don’t really have the words to say right now. Cancer sucks. I’ll look for you in all the fun moments of life. I know that’s where you’ll be.”

Career spanning five decades

Born in Sumatra, Indonesia, to a Canadian mother and an American father, Mahaffey moved to Texas as a teenager.

Her television debut came in the late 1970s with a role on the daytime soap opera The Doctors, which earned her a Daytime Emmy Award.

In 1992, she won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her acclaimed portrayal of Eve in the quirky cult series Northern Exposure. The role helped establish her as a standout talent in both comedy and drama.

Mahaffey went on to appear in dozens of TV shows across genres, including Desperate Housewives, Young Sheldon, ER, The Man in the High Castle, and Glee.

Her portrayal of Alma Hodge, the conniving ex-wife of Orson Hodge, made her a memorable presence on Wisteria Lane during Desperate Housewives‘ heyday.

In recent years, Mahaffey earned critical praise for her role as Madame Reynard in the 2020 film French Exit, opposite Michelle Pfeiffer.

Her performance garnered a nomination for Best Supporting Female at the Independent Spirit Awards.