Valerie Mahaffey, Emmy-Winning Star of Desperate Housewives, Passes Away at 71

Sat Sep 13 2025 22:49:00 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Valerie Mahaffey, beloved actress known for her notable roles in television, has died at the age of 71 after battling cancer.

Valerie Mahaffey, an Emmy Award-winning actress celebrated for her performances in major television series such as Desperate Housewives, has passed away at the age of 71 following a battle with cancer. Her husband, Joseph Kell, expressed his profound loss, while their daughter Alice poignantly shared her grief on social media. Mahaffey's career spanned decades, earning her accolades for roles in Northern Exposure and Young Sheldon, among others.

Beloved television and film actress Valerie Mahaffey has died at 71, her family announced, confirming she succumbed to cancer on Friday in California. Known for her remarkable performances across various series, including Desperate Housewives, Young Sheldon, and Big Sky, Mahaffey made a lasting impact on audiences. In a heartfelt statement, her husband, Joseph Kell, reflected on their love, stating, "I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses." The couple's daughter, Alice, expressed her sorrow over social media, lamenting, "Cancer sucks" and promising to look for her mother in joyful moments of life.

Mahaffey first gained recognition for her role as Eve in the acclaimed series Northern Exposure, for which she won a Primetime Emmy in 1992, highlighting her versatile talent that spanned both daytime and primetime television. Besides her television success, Mahaffey appeared in films such as Sully and Seabiscuit. More recently, she played Madame Reynard in the 2020 film French Exit, earning an Independent Spirit Award nomination.

Born in Sumatra, Indonesia, to a Canadian mother and American father, Mahaffey moved to Texas during her teenage years. She began her acting career in 1977 with the film Tell Me My Name and worked extensively in television, featuring in notable series like ER, The Man in the High Castle, and Glee. In Desperate Housewives, she captivated audiences as Alma Hodge, ex-wife of Orson Hodge, and later portrayed Victoria MacElroy, a teacher in Young Sheldon, the spin-off of The Big Bang Theory.

Valerie Mahaffey’s contributions to the arts will be remembered and cherished, leaving behind a legacy of talent and warmth in the hearts of those she entertained.