Valerie Mahaffey, Young Sheldon and Desperate Housewives actress, dead at 71 after cancer battle

Published: Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 8:29 pm

Emmy-Winning Actress Valerie Mahaffey Dies at 71 After Cancer Battle

Valerie Mahaffey, the beloved actress known for her roles in *Young Sheldon*, *Desperate Housewives*, and *Northern Exposure*, has passed away at the age of 71. The Emmy-winning star died on Friday in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer, confirmed by family members and her publicist.

Mahaffey's husband, Joseph Kell, shared a heartfelt statement, expressing his grief and acknowledging her impact on American audiences. "I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses," he said. Her daughter, Alice Richards, also shared her sorrow on Facebook, reflecting on the pain of cancer.

Born in Sumatra, Indonesia, on June 16, 1953, Mahaffey began her acting career on the daytime soap opera *The Doctors*. She gained early recognition for her role as Ashley Bennett, earning a Daytime Emmy Award nomination. In 1992, she won an Emmy for her portrayal of Eve in the critically acclaimed series *Northern Exposure*.

Throughout her career, Mahaffey continued to grace television screens, appearing in popular shows like *Wings*, *Desperate Housewives*, *Devious Maids*, and *Big Sky*. While details of her recent cancer battle were kept private, her legacy as a talented and cherished actress will undoubtedly endure. She is survived by her husband and daughter.

Keywords: Valerie Mahaffey, actress, death, obituary, cancer, Young Sheldon, Desperate Housewives, Northern Exposure, Emmy, Emmy winner, Joseph Kell, Alice Richards, Wings, Devious Maids, Big Sky, Ashley Bennett, Eve, The Doctors, Los Angeles, entertainment news, celebrity death, TV actress

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