Valerie Mahaffey death: Desperate Housewives star dies aged 71

Mahaffey appeared in dozens of TV shows and films throughout her career

Emmy-winning actor Valerie Mahaffey has died at age 71.

The Young Sheldon and Desperate Housewives star, who had been diagnosed with cancer, died May 30, her husband Joseph Kell confirmed.

“I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses. She will be missed,” Kell said in a statement, per Variety.

Born in Indonesia, Mahaffey got her start on Broadway, appearing in six plays and musicals in the 1970s and 80s. She appeared in more than a dozen off-Broadway and regional productions as well, including Othello opposite Morgan Freeman and Romeo and Juliet with Tom Hulce.

After establishing herself as a versatile stage actor, Mahaffey became in-demand among TV and film productions.

Valerie Mahaffey has died aged 71 (Getty Images)

Mahaffey’s first TV break came on the daytime soap opera The Doctors, for which she was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in 1980.

She would go on to win the 1992 supporting actress Emmy for her work on Northern Exposure. Mahaffey played Eve in the comedy-drama, which aired on CBS from 1990-1995.

Mahaffey’s other notable TV roles included Alma Hodge on season three of Desperate Housewives, teacher Victoria MacElroy on Young Sheldon, and Helen Pergman on Big Sky.

She guest starred on dozens of shows throughout her career including Cheers, CSI, Seinfeld, Wings, ER, The Mindy Project, Grey’s Anatomy, Hannah Montana, and Boston Legal.

Her film credits included roles in Jungle 2 Jungle, My First Wedding, Sully, and this year’s Apple TV thriller, The 8th Day. She gained acclaim for the 2020 indie film French Exit with Michelle Pfeiffer and Lucas Hedges, earning her an Independent Spirit Award nomination.

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Fans saddened to hear word of Mahaffey’s passing shared tributes on social media.

“Nobody could play CRAZY like Valerie Mahaffey. Desperate Housewives was INSANE,” one fan shared with a clip of Mahaffey in a scene with Marcia Cross.

“RIP Valerie Mahaffey. Thanks for all the laughs,” another wrote.

“RIP to a wonderful character actress. No matter the episode count or number of lines she would have, Valerie Mahaffey made an impression. Loved her as Frasier’s secretary & on Big Sky,” another said.

Someone else wrote: “Valerie Mahaffey was always JUST right no matter what she was working in. Always so memorable, talented. I can’t believe she was even 71 as that means she really was a part of my life watching things as long as I’ve been around. Grateful for her good work always.”