Valerie Mahaffey dead aged 71: Desperate Housewives and Young Sheldon star dies as tributes pour in
Desperate Housewives and Young Sheldon star Valerie Mahaffey has died at the age of 71.
The actress had been diagnosed with cancer and died in Los Angeles on Friday, her publicist Jillian Roscoe confirmed.
The award-winning star, whose career spanned more than four decades, is survived by husband Joseph Kell and their daughter Alice.
Speaking to Variety, Valerie's husband Joseph said: 'I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses. She will be missed.'
Her daughter Alice Richards added on Instagram: 'Don't really have the words to say right now. cancer sucks. I'll look for you in all the fun moments of life.
From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop.
'I know that's where you'll be, I know we'll see each other again someday. I love you infinity much.'
Tributes flooded in across social media from emotional fans mourning the death of Valerie.
Comments on social media platform X included: 'RIP Valerie Mahaffey. Thanks for all the laughs';
'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';
'Oh man, Valerie Mahaffey was always one of the most underrated and fantastic character actresses around. She was in EVERYTHING! And no one did soft spoken, passive aggressive viciousness better! So Sad to hear she's passed and only 71. RIP';
'Very sad to hear about the passing of Valerie Mahaffey, a brilliant comedian and a gem of a human being.'
Valerie's most notable TV roles included portraying Eve in Northern Exposure, Alma Hodge in Desperate Housewives, and a frustrated teacher in Young Sheldon.
She also starred alongside the likes of Michelle Pfeiffer and Imogen Poots in 2021's French Exit and Tom Hanks in his 2016 biographical film Sully: Miracle on the Hudson, based on Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger.
Her most recent role was in movie The 8th Day, which came out in March of this year and also starred Phoebe Tonkin.
She also recently starred in TV series Echo 3 in 2022 as well as portraying Lorna Harding in the popular show Dead To Me, which sees Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini take on the leading roles.
But it was on Broadway where Valerie first launched her acting career in the 1970s, before making her big on screen break in NBC soap The Doctors in 1979.
She immediately made her mark on the film industry as she was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series just one year later.
Valerie, who was born in Indonesia to a Canadian mother and a Texan father, also nabbed roles in a whole host of popular TV series and movies.
The acclaimed star appeared in 14 episodes of Young Sheldon - the spin-off to the Big Bang Theory - from 2017 until 2020 as teacher Victoria MacElroy.
She also made guest appearances on Law & Order SVU, CSI, and Frasier over the years as she was prolific on screen.
Valerie was finally recognised during awards season for her impressive career in 1992, when she took home the Emmy for her role as Eve in Northern Exposure.
Her daughter Alice has also followed in her showbiz footsteps and has starred as an actress in 2018 horror The Witch Files and 2010's Summer Eleven.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
21 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Today's horoscope as Gemini ups their productivity
Today's horoscope for June 2 sees one star sign keeps a cheerful outlook, while another feels restless It's Monday, June 2, and one star sign worries about a loved one, as another strikes out on their own. There are 12 zodiac signs - Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces - and the horoscopes for each can give you the lowdown on what your future holds, be it in work, your love life, your friends and family or more. These daily forecasts have been compiled by astrologer Russell Grant, who has been reading star signs for over 50 years. From Aries through to Pisces, here's what today could bring for your horoscope - and what you can do to be prepared. Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 20) You thought you were prepared for everything but you hadn't anticipated the problems that crop up today. One good thing that comes out of this is: you will discover who your true friends are. One special person will be there for you whenever you need support. You will be grateful for their valuable advice. Taurus (Apr 21 - May 21) You can't ignore financial issues any longer. A shared bill has been neglected. You believed your partner had handled it while they assumed you had taken care of it. These money disagreements are weighing you down. Consulting a financial advisor might be the next sensible step. Gemini (May 22 - June 21) Your aim now is to be more productive and that means putting your phone away and taking a break from video games and other distractions. Get on with chores around the house and then treat yourself to a long walk. When you do have time to relax, think about your next plan of action. Cancer (June 22 - July 23) It's not going to work for you to simply follow what others want or expect anymore. You have your own opinions and ideas and no one will be able to sway you, no matter how much they try. Even when dealing with strong personalities, you will stand your ground and not be pushed beyond your limits. Leo (July 24 - Aug 23) Keep your outlook cheerful. When things go wrong, shrug your shoulders and tell everyone it will get better. Let people see how resourceful and reliable you can be. You will be looking at new ways to boost your finances, later in the day. Virgo (Aug 24 - Sept 23) Keeping your promises and giving guidance to others will be valued more than you might think. This supportive environment fosters a sense of camaraderie and connection. A group project is on the verge of starting. You will be working with dependable and trustworthy people. This gives you a good feeling about this venture. Libra (Sept 24 - Oct 23) Keeping occupied helps reduce feelings of restlessness. Taking up a creative challenge will keep you from growing bored. Think of new ways to encourage your family to get active based on their individual interests. Volunteer to entertain the kids or add some excitement to your daily routine. Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 22) Fulfilling commitments and helping others will have a greater impact than you realise. This kind of supportive atmosphere nurtures friendship and bonds among team members. As you embark on a new group project, you'll be working alongside reliable and trustworthy people who are happy for you to take the initiative. Sagittarius (Nov 23 - Dec 21) A close friend or relative seems to be having a hard time keeping on top of their everyday routines. You sense they are depressed even if they don't admit it and you know they could do with your support. Be sure to keep your phone charged so you can be there for them if they call you. Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 20) You're getting so caught up in the little things that you are failing to see the bigger picture. Take a step back and ease up a bit. You've been taking everything to heart and you have lost sight of how to relax. The more uptight you become, the harder it is to be happy with your progress. Aquarius (Jan 21 - Feb 19) You can trust your intuition when it comes to business and finances. If you're thinking about starting your own business, now is a good time to get this underway. Reach out to a bank or lending institution to secure funding for your new endeavour. A supportive partner will remind you of your talents and strengths. Pisces (Feb 20 - Mar 20) You have come to a decision on what you want to do. Your friends will be amazed by your tenacity and resolve. Now that you've made up your mind about your next long-term goal, nothing will deter you. A clear sense of purpose will help you stay on track toward your objective.
BBC News
26 minutes ago
- BBC News
What we know about Boulder, Colorado attack at Israeli rally
The FBI says an attack in Boulder, Colorado, that injured six people was a "targeted act of violence", and they are investigating it as an "act of terrorism". What happened? A group of people had gathered for a "regularly scheduled, weekly, peaceful event", which the BBC understands was organised by Run for Their Lives, an organisation that raises awareness for Israeli hostages still held in FBI said that, according to witnesses, a suspect threw an incendiary device into the group of people, and used a "makeshift flamethrower" to attack them. They said a suspect had been identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45. Soliman was taken to hospital shortly after the attack, the FBI said. Police said they were "fairly confident" that they had the lone suspect in custody. There was no evidence the suspect was connected to a wider group."The suspect was heard to yell 'Free Palestine' during the attack," said special agent in charge of the Denver field office of the FBI, Mark Michalek. "We're assisting Boulder police and providing technical, analytic and additional forensic resources. As a result of these preliminary facts, it is clear that this is a targeted act of violence and the FBI is investigating this as an act of terrorism," Michalek said. Who are the victims? There are six victims, aged between 67 and 88. All of them have been taken to hospitals with burns and other injuries. The injuries range from "minor" to "very serious". At least one of the victims is seriously injured. What is Run for their Lives? Run for their Lives holds walking and running events around the world calling for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, according to their says its events are not protests, but "peaceful walks".Their website says there are currently 230 active groups around the world, with the majority in North America and groups meet once a week for a 1km walk wearing red T-shirts. They also carry national flags of the citizens who are among the hostages still held in Run for their Lives Instagram account has more than 6,000 followers. Their Facebook group has more than 2,000 movement was started by a group of Israelis in California, but local events are "independently led", according to their website. What is happening now? Authorities said they would not hold another press conference on Sunday. Police said their teams were still working in the district attorney for Boulder County, Michael Dougherty, said: "We are fully united 100% in making sure the charges we bring hold the attacker fully accountable."The Boulder Courthouse will remain closed on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has said her department is working with "interagency partners, including the FBI", and would share more information when it becomes available."We are praying for the victims and their families. This violence must stop," she said. Israel's foreign minister, Gideon Sa'ar, released a statement saying he was "shocked" by the incident, which he called "pure antisemitism".The Jewish community in Boulder released a statement saying: "Our hearts go out to those who witnessed this horrible attack, and prayers for a speedy recovery to those who were injured," Boulder's Jewish Community said in a joint statement. "When events like this enter our own community, we are shaken."
The Independent
33 minutes ago
- The Independent
What to Stream: Nintendo's Switch 2, Addison Rae album, 'Presence' and Ariana Madix returns to Fiji
A Shaquille O'Neal docuseries about his time at Reebok's basketball division and Mario Kart World on Nintendo 's Switch 2 are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time, as selected by The Associated Press' entertainment journalists: Ariana Madix returns to Fiji as host of a new season of 'Love Island USA.,' TikTok star Addison Rae offers her debut album 'Addison' and then there's "Presence,' Steven Soderbergh's movie entirely from the perspective a ghost. New movies to stream from June 2-8 — 'Presence,' one of two excellent Steven Sodebergh-directed, David Koepp-scripted movies released this year, arrives Tuesday on Hulu. The film, a nifty, experimental little thriller, is filmed entirely from the perspective a ghost inside a home a family has just moved into. From a floating point-of-view, we watch as the mysterious presence, piecing together a past trauma while observing the unfolding a new one. In her review, AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr called 'Presence' 'a heady experiment that transcends the somewhat gimmicky-on-paper premise — something Soderbergh manages to do alarmingly well and regularly.' — Tyler Perry 's latest, 'Straw,' stars Taraji P. Henson as a struggling single mother who, desperate for money to pay for her daughter's prescriptions, robs a bank. The film, co-starring Sherri Shepherd, Teyana Taylor and Sinbad, debuts Friday, June 6 on Netflix. — For anyone still mourning the death of Gene Hackman, a new series streaming from Thursday on the Criterion Channel collects some of the late actor 's best films. That includes William Friedkin's seminal 1971 New York thriller 'The French Connection,' Francis Ford Coppola's 1974 masterpiece 'The Conversation' and Wes Anderson's 'The Royal Tenenbaums,' a movie in which Hackman's strained relationship with the director has been a subject of conversation following his death. But also don't miss Arthur Penn's 1975 'Night Moves,' a quintessential '70s neo-noir that gave Hackman one of his most indelible roles in the private eye Harry Moseby. — Film Writer Jake Coyle New music to stream from June 2-8 — Has there been a more seamless transition from TikTok social media star to full-fledged pop music force than that of Addison Rae? On Friday, June 6, she will release her debut LP 'Addison,' one of the year's most anticipated releases – from the Lana Del Rey-channeling 'Diet Pepsi' to the trip-hop 'Headphones On.' She's managed to tap into a kind of late-internet cool through a hybrid approach to pop music and a lackadaisical singing style. Could it be 'Addison' summer? Only time will tell. — Need your Cynthia Erivo fix between 'Wicked' films? She's got your back. The multihyphenate will release her sophomore LP, 'I Forgive You' on Friday, June 6, a collection of big belts and even bigger vulnerabilities, with gorgeous songs that sound as though they were ripped straight from Erivo's diary. Listen closely and carefully for maximum enjoyment. — Anyone who thinks the mainstream music listening world has lost interest in rock bands needs to simply look at Turnstile, the Baltimore hard-core punk band that could. They've largely left those harsh sounds behind and have opted for something more melodic and accessible — which is, arguably, part of the appeal for those curious parties — but they've maintained their hard-core ethos and edge. 'Never Enough' is gearing up to be the biggest release of their career so far, and we say it's time to get on board. And get in the pit. — Music Writer Maria Sherman New television to stream from June 2-8 — Ariana Madix has returned to Fiji as host of a new season of 'Love Island USA.' The new episodes have big shoes to fill. Last season was the top-rated reality series of 2024. It also broke through the cultural zeitgeist with social media memes and water cooler conversation. Madix says she's not worried about duplicating that success, and wants the contestants to focus on 'creating their own lane by being truly themselves and bringing themselves to it, you'll never lose by doing that.' The show premieres Tuesday and will air six nights a week on Peacock. — As a teenager, Kristin Cavallari was a breakout of the MTV reality series 'Laguna Beach' because of her unfiltered honesty. She's carried that with her throughout other reality shows and to her podcast 'Let's Be Honest.' Cameras rolled when Cavallari took the podcast on the road in March. That will air as the docuseries 'Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour' beginning Wednesday on E!. It streams on Peacock. — Shaquille O'Neal also has his own docuseries coming to Netflix Wednesday called 'Power Moves with Shaquille O'Neal.' It's an inside look at his efforts as president of Reebok's basketball division. Allen Iverson is vice president. Both have a history with the brand. In 1992, O'Neal signed a deal with Reebok as a rookie playing for the Orlando Magic. Iverson famously inked a lifetime deal with the brand one year prior in 1991. The series will show the two pro ballplayers work to make Reebok Basketball cool and competitive in the sneaker market. It drops Wednesday. — Get your feel-good TV fix with Apple TV+'s new show, 'Stick.' It stars Owen Wilson as Pryce, a broke and divorced former pro golfer who could use a break. He finds it in a teen phenom named Santi and volunteers to be his coach. The show is about chosen family and second chances. 'Stick' premieres Wednesday. — Alicia Rancilio New video games to play week of June 2-8 — Nintendo fans worldwide are bracing themselves for the arrival of the Switch 2, a souped-up version of the eight-year-old console with new social features meant to draw players into online gaming. The highlight of the launch lineup is Mario Kart World, which features a Grand Prix for up to 24 drivers and introduces a sprawling open environment where 'everywhere is your racecourse.' Other Day One arrivals include upgraded versions of the last two Legend of Zelda adventures, and some popular third-party games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Split Fiction will be making their Nintendo debuts. The next generation takes the stage Thursday, June 5. — Lou Kesten
