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DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES Valerie Mahaffey

‘Desperate Housewives’ Actress Valerie Mahaffey Dies After Cancer Battle

Despite her illness, she choose to share her condition only with a close circle

The world of television—and especially fans of Desperate Housewives—is mourning the loss of one of those quiet but lasting lights. Valerie Mahaffey, who played Alma Hodge on the show, passed away at age 71 in Los Angeles after a private battle with cancer.

The news was confirmed by her publicist, Jillian Roscoe, in a statement where her husband, actor Joseph Kell, shared a heartfelt message: “I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses. She will be missed.”

Desperate Housewives was a major success that left a lasting mark on television. Premiering in 2004, the show ran for eight seasons and became a global phenomenon, earning multiple awards and a loyal fanbase. Its mix of suspense, humor, and emotional depth made it stand out from other dramas at the time. And it helped redefine what a primetime soap could be.

A Versatile and Beloved Actress

Valerie Mahaffey began her TV career in the 1970s with the soap opera The Doctors, and quickly won audiences over with her charm and impressive range. She moved effortlessly between comedy and drama throughout her career. Her breakthrough came with her role as Eve, a lovable hypochondriac in Northern Exposure, which earned her an Emmy Award in 1992 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

She later appeared in many popular shows, leaving a mark with every performance. Mahaffey appeared in Young Sheldon as Victoria MacElroy, in Big Sky as Helen Pergman, and in Dead to Me as the sharp-tongued Lorna Harding. She also made memorable guest appearances in shows like Glee, Grey’s Anatomy, Frasier, Ally McBeal, Seinfeld, and many others.

A Bright Presence on the Big Screen, Too

While Mahaffey was best known for her work on television, she also made a lasting impression in film. She acted alongside Tom Hanks in Sully (2016). Earned a Spirit Award nomination for her role in French Exit (2020) with Michelle Pfeiffer and Lucas Hedges. She also appeared in titles like Seabiscuit, Jack and Jill, Jungle 2 Jungle, and The Witch Files.

Her final credited performance was in The 8th Day (2025), a reminder that she never officially stepped away from acting—though her fight against cancer gradually led her to leave the spotlight.