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Valerie Mahaffey, actor known for Northern Exposure and Desperate Housewives, dies aged 71

The prolific TV, stage and film actor was best known for her roles in Northern Exposure and Young Sheldon

Mahaffey had a career which spanned nearly 50 years and was known for playing eccentric characters, including the one for which she won a supporting actress Emmy in 1992: as hypochondriac Eve living in the fictional Alaska town featured in Northern Exposure, which aired from 1990 to 1995. Mahaffey most recently received an Independent Spirit award nomination for her role as the optimistic Madame Reynard in Azazel Jacobs’ 2020 dark comedy French Exit. Mahaffey’s versatility kept her constantly in demand for guest roles and she amassed dozens of series credits including Seinfeld, Wings, ER, Glee, Grey’s Anatomy and The Mindy Project.

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