Valerie Mahaffey dead aged 71: Desperate Housewives and Young Sheldon star dies as tributes pour in

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By CODIE BULLEN FOR MAILONLINE

Published: 13:10 BST, 31 May 2025 | Updated: 13:24 BST, 31 May 2025

Desperate Housewives and Young Sheldon star Valerie Mahaffey has died at the age of 71. 

The actress had been diagnosed with cancer and died in Los Angeles on Friday, her publicist Jillian Roscoe confirmed. 

Speaking to Variety, Valerie’s husband Joseph Kell said: ‘I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses. She will be missed.’

Her most notable TV roles include Eve in Northern Exposure, Alma Hodge in Desperate Housewives, and a frustrated teacher in Young Sheldon. 

Tributes flooded in across social media from emotional fans mourning the death of Valerie. 

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Desperate Housewives and Young Sheldon star Valerie Mahaffey has died at the age of 71

The actress had been diagnosed with cancer and died in Los Angeles on Friday, her publicist Jillian Roscoe confirmed

Comments on social media platform X included: ‘RIP Valerie Mahaffey. Thanks for all the laughs’;

‘RIP to a wonderful character actress. No matter the episode count or number of lines she would have, Valerie Mahaffey made an impression. Loved her as Frasier’s secretary & on Big Sky’;

‘Oh man, Valerie Mahaffey was always one of the most underrated and fantastic character actresses around. She was in EVERYTHING! And no one did soft spoken, passive aggressive viciousness better! So Sad to hear she’s passed and only 71. RIP’;

‘Very sad to hear about the passing of Valerie Mahaffey, a brilliant comedian and a gem of a human being’

The award-winning actress is survived by husband Joseph and their daughter Alice.

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Valerie Mahaffey dead aged 71: Desperate Housewives and Young Sheldon star dies as tributes pour in

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