Well known tv and film star dies as husband says 'i've lost the love of my life'

EMMY-WINNING ACTRESS VALERIE MAHAFFEY HAS PASSED AWAY AT THE AGE OF 71 AFTER A BATTLE WITH CANCER, HER HUSBAND JOSEPH KELL HAS CONFIRMED IN A STATEMENT TO VARIETY ANDY GILPIN Deputy Editor

in Chief 18:42, 31 May 2025Updated 18:45, 31 May 2025 Actress Valerie Mahaffey, renowned for her roles in TV series Northern Exposure and 'Big Sky', has passed away at the age of

71. The Emmy-winning actress lost her battle with cancer on Friday, May 30. Her husband, Joseph Kell, expressed his sorrow, stating: "I have lost the love of my life, and America has

lost one of its most endearing actresses. She will be missed." Mahaffey's remarkable career saw her triumph at the 1992 Emmys, securing the supporting comedy actress award for her

performance in Northern Exposure, a show that aired between 1990 and 1995. In addition to her Emmy win, she also garnered an Independent Spirit Award nomination for the 2020 indie film

'French Exit'. With a diverse filmography spanning various acting mediums, Mahaffey left her mark on stage, TV, and cinema. Article continues below Notable TV roles included that

of Alma Hodge, ex-wife of Kyle MacLachlan's character Orson Hodge in Desperate Housewives (2006-2007), as well as Victoria MacElroy, a teacher in the series Young Sheldon (2017-2020),

and a memorable portrayal of Lorna Harding, the self-absorbed mother-in-law of Christina Applegate's character in the Netflix series Dead to Me (2019-2022). On the big screen, she made

appearances in films such as Sully (2016), Seabiscuit (2003), and Jungle 2 Jungle (1997). Her work in theatre also featured six stints on Broadway between 1976 and 1984, including roles in

Dracula and Play Memory. More recently, Mahaffey featured in the Apple TV+ series Echo 3 in 2022 and the March-released film The 8th Day. Article continues below Born in Indonesia, Mahaffey

lived there until the age of 11. Following her relocation to the US, she became a student at Austin High School and later, in 1975, earned her degree from the University of Texas. Valerie

leaves behind her husband Joseph and their daughter Alice.