Emmy-winning actress Valerie Mahaffey, known for her memorable roles in television series including “Desperate Housewives,” “Young Sheldon,” and “Northern Exposure,” died Friday, May 30, 2025, in Los Angeles after battling cancer. She was 71.
Mahaffey’s publicist confirmed her death to multiple news outlets. Her husband, actor Joseph Kell, shared that he had “lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses.” The couple’s daughter, Alice, wrote on Facebook that cancer was the cause of death, expressing her grief over the loss.
Born June 16, 1953, in Sumatra, Indonesia, to a Canadian mother and American father, Mahaffey relocated to Texas as a teenager. She graduated from Austin High School and earned her degree from the University of Texas in 1975. Her acting career began in New York City, where she established herself on Broadway before transitioning to television and film.
Mahaffey’s breakthrough television role came in 1979 on the NBC soap opera “The Doctors,” where she portrayed Ashley Bennett from 1979 to 1981. This performance earned her a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1980, marking the beginning of her acclaimed television career.
Her most celebrated role came with CBS’s “Northern Exposure,” where she played Eve, the hypochondriac wife of Adam Arkin’s character. Appearing in five episodes across three seasons from 1991 to 1994, Mahaffey won the 1992 Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for this portrayal. The role showcased her talent for bringing eccentric characters to life with warmth and authenticity.
On ABC’s “Desperate Housewives,” Mahaffey portrayed the manipulative Alma Hodge, ex-wife of Kyle MacLachlan’s Orson Hodge character. Her appearances across eight episodes from 2006 to 2007 left a lasting impression on fans of the drama series, demonstrating her ability to embody complex, morally ambiguous characters on the fictional Wisteria Lane.
In more recent years, Mahaffey appeared as teacher Victoria MacElroy on CBS’s “Young Sheldon,” the popular “Big Bang Theory” spin-off, from 2017 to 2020. She also had a recurring role as Lorna Harding in the first two seasons of Netflix’s “Dead to Me,” starring alongside Christina Applegate, and appeared in ABC’s thriller series “Big Sky.”
Mahaffey’s extensive television credits span nearly five decades and include guest appearances on numerous popular series. She appeared on “Seinfeld,” “Wings,” “ER,” “Glee,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Mindy Project,” “Cheers,” and “The Man in the High Castle,” among many others. Her versatility allowed her to move seamlessly between comedy and drama throughout her career.
Her Broadway career included six productions from 1976 to 1984, featuring roles in “Dracula” starring Raul Julia and “Play Memory” directed by Harold Prince. She won two Obie Awards for her theater work in “Top Girls” at the Public Theatre and Alan Bennett’s “Talking Heads” at the Minetta Lane. Her stage credits also included playing Desdemona in “Othello” opposite Morgan Freeman and Juliet in “Romeo and Juliet” with Tom Hulce.
Mahaffey’s film work included notable roles in Clint Eastwood’s “Sully” alongside Tom Hanks, “Seabiscuit,” and “Jungle 2 Jungle.” Her performance as Madame Reynard in the 2020 film “French Exit” opposite Michelle Pfeiffer and Lucas Hedges earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Female. Michelle Pfeiffer paid tribute on social media, describing Mahaffey as “one of our brightest stars” and praising her as both a remarkable talent and human being.
Throughout her career, Mahaffey was known for her ability to portray eccentric characters with depth and humanity. Her warm and infectious energy made her a beloved figure among colleagues and audiences alike. She appeared on Norman Lear’s “The Powers That Be” from 1992 to 1993 and had memorable roles on “Devious Maids” from 2013 to 2015.
Rob Morrow, her “Northern Exposure” co-star, remembered Mahaffey on social media as “a breath of fresh air, joy and laughs” during their time working together. He noted that the entire cast adored her, reflecting the widespread affection she inspired throughout the entertainment industry.
Mahaffey is survived by her husband Joseph Kell and their daughter Alice. Her career spanning nearly 50 years left an indelible mark on television, film, and theater, with her performances continuing to resonate with audiences who appreciated her unique ability to bring memorable characters to life with both humor and heart.
