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VALERIE MAHAFFEY, STAR OF DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES AND YOUNG SHELDON, HAS DIED AGED 71 AFTER A BATTLE WITH CANCER, HER PUBLICIST HAS CONFIRMED. AMY DENMAN Deputy Showbiz Editor and STEVE GRAVES

Executive Editor Digital 13:09, 31 May 2025Updated 13:10, 31 May 2025 Valerie Mahaffey, renowned for her roles in hits like Desperate Housewives and Young Sheldon, has died aged 71. Her

publicist confirmed the sad news of her death. The Emmy-award-winning star was battling cancer and sadly succumbed to her illness in Los Angeles last Friday. Her beloved husband Joseph Kell

expressed his deep grief, saying he has "lost" the love of his life. Known for portraying memorably eccentric characters, Valerie made a mark with performances in series such as

Northern Exposure, Desperate Housewives, and Young Sheldon. Her impressive career saw her act alongside major stars, including Michelle Pfeiffer and Tom Hanks. Valerie's spouse shared

with Variety: "I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses. She will be missed." Among Valerie’s latest projects were her part in the

Apple TV+ series Echo 3 from 2022 and her role in the film The 8th Day, released this year. She won an Emmy in 1992 for her unforgettable character Eve in Northern Exposure, which she graced

from 1990 until 1995, reports the Mirror. Article continues below As word of her death spread, heartfelt tributes began pouring in on social media. Fans have been expressing their sorrow,

with one stating: "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." Another admirer

said on X: "Oh man, Valerie Mahaffey was always one of the most underrated and fantastic character actresses around." Born in Indonesia in 1953, Valerie spent her early years there

until moving at the age of 11. She graduated from Austin High School before earning a degree from the University of Texas in 1975. Her theatrical career kicked off in New York, hitting the

Broadway stage six times between 1976 and 1984 with performances in 'Dracula' and 'Play Memory', under the direction of Harold Prince. In parallel, she embarked on her

television journey with a role in the NBC soap opera 'The Doctors', which brought her a Daytime Emmy nomination. Valerie shared the stage with other renowned actors, portraying

Desdemona in 'Othello' opposite Morgan Freeman and Juliet in 'Romeo and Juliet' alongside Tom Hulce. Article continues below The coronavirus pandemic prompted Valerie to

strive towards being a more "authentic person". Speaking to Film Speak, she reflected: "It's time to divest of some things, to understand what's been terrible about

yourself (which is really sad! ), but also to be kind to yourself... there used to be a bit of an act - I didn't want to offend people... but now my only job is to be authentic as a

person, it kind of translates into your art and that has become pretty important to me."