Valerie Mahaffey, a renowned figure in the entertainment industry, built her reputation with a wide-ranging TV and film career dating back to the late ’70s. Her latest work was in 2025. Regrettably, the actress who charmed audiences on shows like Northern Exposure, Young Sheldon, and Desperate Housewives, has now passed away at the age of 71.
The Emmy-winning actress from the ’90s series “Northern Exposure,” who passed away on May 30 in Los Angeles following a fight against cancer, was confirmed by her representative Jillian Roscoe (as reported by THR). She leaves behind her husband, Joseph Kell, and their daughter. In a statement to the publication, Kell expressed:
I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses.
Valerie Mahaffey’s acting career has been remarkably extensive and charming, as her husband put it. Her initial credit was for the TV movie “Tell Me My Name,” but her second role ever was a recurring one on the NBC daytime soap opera “The Doctors” from 1979, which earned her her first significant award nomination – a Daytime Emmy nod for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama. Although she would secure victory at the prime-time awards much later.
Later on, she made appearances as a guest star in shows that have since become timeless, such as Quantum Leap, Cheers, and Seinfeld. She later landed a recurring role in NBC’s brief-lived sitcom The Powers That Be. However, it was her role as Eve, which earned her an Emmy, that truly stood out during this period – even though she didn’t have a regular part on the CBS dramedy Northern Exposure. Similar to Diane Delano, who passed away recently, she left a lasting impact on Northern Exposure despite not having a permanent role.
A significant portion of her memorable roles emerged in the 21st century. For instance, she appeared in nine episodes of “Desperate Housewives” on ABC spanning over two seasons from 2006-2012. On Fox’s “Glee,” she portrayed Rose Pillsbury, who is known as Emma Pillsbury’s mother (portrayed later by Jayma Mays in the movie “Disenchanted”). In 2020, she joined the cast of “Big Sky” on ABC, and subsequently had a recurring role in Netflix’s “Dead to Me.”
Valerie Mahaffey’s last television appearance was on the series Echo 3, which is currently streaming with an Apple TV+ subscription. Her most recent credit altogether was for the movie The 8th Day, which premiered in 2025.
Valerie Mahaffey’s career was something to be incredibly proud of, and her impact is certain to endure. Given that she played characters in beloved TV shows which still resonate with fans long after production ended, it’s no surprise. Here at TopMob, our sympathies go out to the family, friends, and loved ones of Valerie Mahaffey during this challenging period.
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2025-05-31 11:37