Actor Valerie Mahaffey, ‘Northern Exposure’ Emmy winner, dies after cancer battle, publicist says

Advertisement

Advertise with us

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Celebrated actor Valerie Mahaffey, whose stage, film and television work ranged from Shakespeare to the hit 1990s series “Northern Exposure,” died at age 71 after a battle with cancer, according to a statement released Saturday by her publicist.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!

As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.

Now, more than ever, we need your support.

Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.

Subscribe Now

or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.

Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on brandonsun.com
  • Read the Brandon Sun E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
Start now

No thanks

*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.00 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.00 plus GST every four weeks.

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 31/05/2025 (299 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Celebrated actor Valerie Mahaffey, whose stage, film and television work ranged from Shakespeare to the hit 1990s series “Northern Exposure,” died at age 71 after a battle with cancer, according to a statement released Saturday by her publicist.

Mahaffey died Friday in Los Angeles, according to publicist Jillian Roscoe.

“I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses. She will be missed,” her husband, actor Joseph Kell, said in a statement. Survivors also include their daughter, Alice Richards.

Valerie Mahaffey seen at the Los Angeles Industry Screening of Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures
Valerie Mahaffey seen at the Los Angeles Industry Screening of Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures "Sully" at The DGA Theater on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Steve Cohn/Invision for Warner Bros./AP Images)

Mahaffey’s stage, film and television work included the soap opera “The Doctors” more than 45 years ago and encompassed roles in the TV series “Young Sheldon” and “Desperate Housewives.” She appeared in the movie “Sully” with Tom Hanks, directed by Clint Eastwood, and played Madame Reynard in “French Exit” with Michelle Pfeiffer.

She won an outstanding supporting actress in a drama series Emmy award for her portrayal of hypochondriac Eve on “Northern Exposure.” Mahaffey also appeared on television in “The Powers That Be,” “Big Sky,” “Seinfeld,” “Wings” and “ER.” Her film credits include “Jungle 2 Jungle,” “Senior Trip” and “Seabiscuit.”

As a child, Mahaffey lived in Indonesia, Nigeria, England and Texas.

Report Error Submit a Tip

Entertainment

LOAD MORE