Valerie Mahaffey of ‘Northern Exposure' and ‘Desperate Housewives' Dies at 71
The Emmy-winning actor died after a battle with cancer, her publicist confirmed in a statement.
In addition to starring in 'Northern Exposure,' Mahaffey is known for playing Bitsy in Adam Sandler's film 'Jack and Jill' and Annie in 2003's 'Seabiscuit.' She also made notable appearances in shows like 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Desperate Housewives.'
Mahaffey was born in Indonesia in 1953. She went on to live in Nigeria, England, Canada and Texas. She is survived by husband Joseph Kell and her daughter, Alice Richards.
'I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses,' Kell said in a statement to TODAY.com. 'She will be missed.'
Mahaffey began acting in the '70s when she booked the role of Catherine Howard in the Broadway musical 'Rex.' While in New York City, she also took the stage for productions including 'Dracula' and 'Fearless Frank.' In 1977, she secured a small screen role in the TV movie 'Tell Me My Name' before she played Ashley Bennett in the soap opera 'The Doctors.'
That role earned Mahaffey her a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1980. She took home her first Emmy in 1992, winning outstanding supporting actress in a drama series for her work in 'Northern Exposure.'
On X, fans mourned her death and celebrated her past performances.
'Very tragic. So sad. Amazing fun actress. Watch her in French Exit,' one account said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out
4 hours ago
- Time Out
Tyla is bringing her 'We Wanna Party Asia' tour to Singapore this December
South African superstar Tyla is finally gracing our shores – and it's going to be a party. The genre-bending singer behind the viral, hip-swaying anthem 'Water' is heading to Singapore as part of her first-ever headlining Asia tour. On December 5, she'll take over Arena @ EXPO with her signature Afro-fusion beats, amapiano-infused sounds, slick choreography, and magnetic stage presence. Tyla isn't just another pop star either – she's a Grammy-winning global force, a fashion icon, and the name on every trending page. If you've been thirsting for a live performance of 'Water', 'Push 2 Start', and 'Truth or Dare', now's your chance to quench it. When is Tyla performing in Singapore? Set your alarms: 8pm on Friday, December 5, 2025, is when things get steamy. It's a one-night-only affair, so you'll want to clear your plans, prep your best outfit, and maybe practise a few TikTok moves while you're at it. Where is Tyla performing in Singapore? Arena @ EXPO – a dynamic space that's hosted everything from indie gigs to mega K-pop concerts. Easily accessible by MRT – just hop off at Expo station – it's the perfect setting for a night of floor-shaking bass and red-hot performances. How to get tickets? Ticket prices are still under wraps but Live Nation members get early access with a presale happening on August 7, from 12pm to 11:59pm. Not a member? Sign up for free here. The general on-sale starts on August 8 at 10am, via Ticketmaster. Move quick – these tickets will fly fast.
Metro
6 hours ago
- Metro
Fans bewildered by actor 'set to replace' Jesse Eisenberg in Social Network 2
Fans have been left baffled at the prospect of an actor replacing star Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg in the sequel to The Social Network. They've called the move 'odd' and questioned its impact on the film's success. There's been a flurry of reports regarding a sequel to the 2010 Oscar-winning movie about the birth of social media platform Facebook and its founder. In June, it was said that original writer Aaron Sorkin had found the right angle for the second movie after teasing the possibility for years and was confirmed to direct it as well, replacing original director David Fincher. According to Deadline, insiders revealed its title was currently The Social Network Part II although it was 'not a straight sequel' to the first movie, which also featured actors Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Max Minghella and Armie Hammer. Since then, the publication has reported that Sorkin is also keen to cast this year's best actress Academy Award winner Mikey Madison, from Anora, and The Bear's Jeremy Allen White, who will soon be seen in the lead role in Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me from Nowhere. But the latest report reveals that Succession star Jeremy Strong is being eyed by Sorkin to play Zuckerberg, whose company has rebranded as Meta, having had a meeting with the filmmaker. As per The Hollywood Reporter, a source claimed that A Real Pain star and scribe Eisenberg – who was nominated for an Oscar for his work in the first film – had 'passed, at least at this time' on the opportunity to reprise the role. 'As much as I love Jeremy Strong he needs to pass on this. This will not help his career. Without Eisenberg, they should cancel this or find a way into the story without Zuckerberg as a character,' announced @WhereIsBatman89 on X, while another fan insisted: 'Jesse Eisenberg as Zuckerberg or this movie is dead on arrival.' 'We do not want him. Bring Jesse back,' commented Poppy, while @DxTCinema asked: 'Why why why we want Jesse.' Meanwhile fan Chandler called the casting rumour 'odd' and others shared their confusion over a lack of immediate similarity in Strong's and Zuckerberg's looks. 'Ah yes that's perfect they look like twins,' quipped Michael K, while Joelyn added: 'The resemblance is uncanny.' But others were thrilled at the prospect of Strong, who also impressed with his turn as Donald Trump's ruthless mentor Roy Cohn in The Apprentice – for which he was Oscar nominated for best supporting actor. 'YUP let's go. His Oscar is loading,' tweeted Mikayla Davis, with Abhinav adding: 'This cast is WILD. If the script hits, we're looking at another awards season sweep.' 'Trying to be calm about this but Jeremy Strong as Mark Zuckerberg is one of the most insane casting coups in history, like we need to give them an Oscar for even thinking about this,' enthused @paaarth319. The Social Network Part II will focus on Facebook's role in the light of the spreading of misinformation ahead of the attempted coup on January 6, 2021 in America, as well as its impact on its young users and violence, and in countries beyond the US too. More Trending It's understood Madison, if she accepts the role, would play whistleblower Frances Haugen, the data engineer who went to the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Wall Street Journal. White would be former WSJ tech reporter Jeff Horwitz, who wrote the publication's explosive Facebook Files series of articles based on her information. There was also recognition that Strong could be in contention for a role other than that of Zuckerberg, as there is said to be a part available as a WSJ editor too. Metro has contacted reps for Jeremy Strong and Jesse Eisenberg for comment. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Fast and Furious villain warns they're 'ready to go' for final sequel appearance MORE: Terrifying trailer drops for horror sequel to 'the scariest franchise to ever exist' MORE: Comedy that made critics 'laugh until it hurts' earns surprise 91% on Rotten Tomatoes
Daily Record
10 hours ago
- Daily Record
The 'magical' Scottish island loch that captivated Sex and the City star
Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon and her wife visited the tiny town on Isle of Skye and took a boat to the stunning Loch Hollywood actress Cynthia Nixon has joined the growing list of admirers enchanted by the wild beauty of the Isle of Skye. The actor hailed her "magical" experience after enjoying a scenic boat trip/ The Sex and the City star, best known for her role as Miranda Hobbes in the hit television series, travelled to the Misty Isle with her wife Christine Marinoni. During their stay, they visited the southern tip of Skye. There they boarded a boat from the tiny hamlet of Elgol and journeyed across Loch Scavaig to reach the remote and dramatic Loch Coruisk., Scottish Daily Express reports. Posting on Instagram, Nixon, 59, was full of praise for their experience on the glacial loch, singling out the family-run Misty Isle Boat Trips team that took them there. She wrote: 'Scotland adventure from the wee town of Elgol on the tip of Isle of Skye to the remote, magical Loch Coruisk. HIGHLY recommend this tour with the family run Misty Isles Boat Trips. "Thanks to the family matriarch Anne for telling us to put the pedal to the metal and get on board and you were right, your grandson Seamus was the best! Oh and don't forget to pack sandwiches from Cafe Elgol.' The Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress also shared a short video featuring highlights from the trip. While the weather appeared typically Scottish, with some rain during the outing, it did little to dampen the couple's spirits. Fans quickly flooded the comments to echo Nixon's enthusiasm, with one follower writing: 'Yesss! We were there couple of weekends ago and loved it, best of Isle of Skye!' Another added: 'I said hi to you when we crossed paths in Cromarty, glad you had a lovely time!' Loch Coruisk, often described as one of Scotland's most atmospheric and awe-inspiring locations, lies in the shadow of the Black Cuillin mountain range and is fed by the short Scavaig River, believed to be the shortest river in the UK. The loch is nearly two miles long but less than 400 metres wide, and its inky blue waters are framed by towering, jagged peaks often shrouded in mist. Though reachable by foot via an 11km hike from Sligachan or a 9km route from Kilmarie that includes the tricky 'Bad Step', most visitors opt for the easier and more dramatic approach by boat from Elgol. This allows guests to skip the long walk while still enjoying the breathtaking arrival into the heart of the Cuillin. The Mackinnon family has operated Misty Isle Boat Trips since 1969, welcoming visitors from around the world to experience the scenery. Seumas Mackinnon, born and raised in Elgol, now runs the tours with his wife Anne, sons and grandchildren. 'Come and experience for yourself the finest scenery Scotland has to offer on one of our boat trips from Elgol to Loch Coruisk on the Isle of Skye,' the company states. Elgol itself, a scattered village located 14 miles south-west of Broadford at the end of the Strathaird peninsula, is reached via a winding single-track road through the Red Cuillin hills and past the ruins of Cill Chriosd and its picturesque graveyard. The journey is a scenic adventure in its own right, with views across the island adding to the sense of remoteness.
