Superman actress Valerie Perrine dies at 82

Published: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 2:07 am

Valerie Perrine, Actress Known for Superman and Lenny, Dies at 82

Valerie Perrine, the actress celebrated for her roles in the Superman film series and the Oscar-nominated film *Lenny*, has passed away at the age of 82. Her death was announced on Monday via a post on her Facebook page.

Perrine, who began her career as a Las Vegas showgirl, gained prominence in Hollywood for her diverse roles. She was notably cast as Lenny Bruce's wife in *Lenny*, a performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination. She also played the role of Lex Luthor's wife in two Superman movies, which endeared her to a wide audience.

Beyond her film work, Perrine made history as the first woman to appear topless on broadcast television, in the PBS film *Steambath*.

In recent years, Perrine had been battling Parkinson's disease, which was diagnosed in 2015, though tremors began in 2011. The progression of the disease reportedly impacted her ability to work. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist with funeral and burial expenses. The fundraiser was organized by her brother, who also has Parkinson's disease.

BNN's Perspective:

Valerie Perrine's passing marks the end of an era for many film fans. Her career, spanning several decades, showcased her versatility and ability to captivate audiences. While her later years were marked by the challenges of Parkinson's disease, her legacy as a talented and groundbreaking actress remains.

Keywords: Valerie Perrine, Superman, Lenny, Parkinson's disease, actress, obituary, Hollywood, film, death, GoFundMe, Lex Luthor, Gene Hackman, Steambath, topless, PBS, Academy Award, funeral, burial

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