Valerie Mahaffey, the Emmy-winning actress beloved for her quirky roles in “Northern Exposure” and “Young Sheldon,” has died at 71 after a battle with cancer. Mahaffey’s passing, announced by her publicist and family, marks the end of a remarkable five-decade career that spanned Broadway, film, and television.
Mahaffey won a Primetime Emmy in 1992 for her portrayal of Eve, the eccentric hypochondriac on “Northern Exposure,” a role that cemented her as a standout in the world of television comedy More recently, she charmed a new generation of viewers as Victoria MacElroy, the no-nonsense teacher on “Young Sheldon,” appearing in the series from 2017 to 2020.
Her diverse career included memorable turns on “Desperate Housewives,” “Dead to Me,” and “Big Sky,” as well as acclaimed film roles, notably in “French Exit,” which earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination Born in Indonesia and raised across several continents, Mahaffey brought a unique perspective and warmth to every character she portrayed.
She is survived by her husband, Joseph Kell, and their daughter, Alice. Mahaffey’s legacy lives on through her unforgettable performances, leaving fans and colleagues mourning the loss of one of television’s most versatile and beloved actresses.
