Valerie Mahaffey, the Emmy-winning actress beloved for her roles in Desperate Housewives, Young Sheldon and Big Sky, has passed away at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer, her family confirmed, per bbc.com. Mahaffey’s publicist announced her passing in California on Friday.
Known for her versatility across five decades in television and film, Mahaffey earned a Primetime Emmy in 1992 for Northern Exposure and a daytime Emmy for The Doctors. Her memorable portrayal of Alma Hodge in Desperate Housewives captivated audiences, while her recent work in French Exit garnered an Independent Spirit Award nomination. Husband Joseph Kell shared, “America has lost one of its most endearing actresses.”
Indeed, she will be deeply missed.
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