Valerie Mahaffey, the Emmy-winning actress celebrated for her vibrant portrayals of quirky and heartfelt characters, passed away on May 30, 2025, at the age of 71 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her death was confirmed by her husband, actor Joseph Kell, and her publicist.

Born on June 16, 1953, in Sumatra, Indonesia, to a Canadian mother and a Texan father, Mahaffey moved to Austin, Texas, at age 16. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1975 and began her acting career on Broadway. Her early television work included a role in NBC's daytime soap opera The Doctors, earning her a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1980.

Mahaffey's breakout role came as Eve in Northern Exposure, for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award in 1992. She became known for her distinctive comedic style and appeared in numerous television series, including Desperate Housewives, Young Sheldon, Dead to Me, and Big Sky. Her film credits include Seabiscuit, Sully, and French Exit, the latter earning her an Independent Spirit Award nomination.

Throughout her career, Mahaffey was admired for her ability to bring depth and humanity to her characters, often portraying eccentric yet endearing women. Colleagues and fans have remembered her as a talented and underrated actress whose performances left a lasting impression.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph Kell, and their daughter, Alice. In a statement, Kell expressed his profound loss, describing Mahaffey as "the love of my life" and praising her as one of America's most endearing actresses. Valerie Mahaffey's legacy endures through her memorable performances and the joy she brought to audiences over her four-decade career.