Emmy-winning actress Valerie Mahaffey passed away at age 71, her family has confirmed.
Mahaffey’s publicist confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the actress died in California on Friday following a battle with cancer.
She was celebrated for her roles in numerous television series, including Desperate Housewives, Young Sheldon, and Big Sky.
In a statement to Variety, Mahaffey’s husband, Joseph Kell, shared, “I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses.” He added, “She will be missed.”
Their daughter, Alice, posted 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.”
Mahaffey received a Primetime Emmy Award in 1992 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Eve in the acclaimed dark comedy Northern Exposure.
This followed an earlier Daytime Emmy win for her role in the soap opera The Doctors (1979-1981).
Her film credits include notable roles in Sully and Seabiscuit.
More recently, she appeared as Madame Reynard in the 2020 film French Exit, earning an Independent Spirit Award nomination.
Born in Sumatra, Indonesia, to a Canadian mother and American father, Mahaffey relocated to Texas as a teenager.
Her first film role was in 1977’s Tell Me My Name.
Throughout her five-decade career, Mahaffey graced dozens of television series, including ER, The Man in the High Castle, and Glee.
Her memorable role as the manipulative Alma Hodge in Desperate Housewives spanned eight episodes.
She also played teacher Victoria MacElroy in Young Sheldon, the popular Big Bang Theory spin-off.
This news follows a warning from the UN’s nuclear watchdog regarding Iran’s increased enriched uranium production.
The response to this warning is considered neither a clear acceptance nor rejection, prompting US envoy Steve Witkoff to label it “unacceptable.”
The US defense secretary urged Asian nations to increase defense spending and collaborate with the US to deter potential conflicts.
Expert beekeepers were called to manage a situation involving 70,000 pounds of honey bee hives after a truck carrying them overturned.
The European Union (EU) criticized Donald Trump’s actions, stating they hinder efforts towards a deal and warned of potential countermeasures.