A Hollywood career that stretched from critically acclaimed dramas to blockbuster superhero films has come to an end, as actress Valerie Perrine has died at the age of 82.
Her passing was confirmed Monday in Beverly Hills, according to representatives, following complications from Parkinson’s disease, per Fox News.
Perrine’s longtime friend, Stacey Souther, shared the news publicly, reflecting on the actress’s long health battle and enduring spirit.
“It is with deep sadness that I share the heartbreaking news that Valerie has passed away,” Stacey shared on social media.
“She faced Parkinson’s disease with incredible courage and compassion, never once complaining. She was a true inspiration who lived life to the fullest—and what a magnificent life it was.”
Souther added, “The world feels less beautiful without her in it. I love you, Valerie. I’ll see you on the other side.”
Perrine had been living with Parkinson’s since 2015. In recent years, her condition worsened, and she eventually lost the ability to walk. A crowdfunding campaign launched in 2023 by Souther raised more than $95,000 to help cover her care.
Even after her death, financial challenges remained. In an obituary message, Souther urged supporters to help fulfill Perrine’s final wish.
“Her final wish is to be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery, but after more than 15 years of fighting Parkinson’s, her finances are exhausted,” Souther noted.
“Let’s come together to make her last wish a reality—she truly deserves it.”
Born in Texas and raised in a military family, Perrine moved frequently during her childhood before eventually finding her way into entertainment. She began as a showgirl in Las Vegas before landing her breakthrough role in Slaughterhouse-Five.
Her career quickly gained momentum. She starred alongside Jeff Bridges in The Last American Hero and earned widespread recognition for her performance in Lenny, opposite Dustin Hoffman. The role brought her an Academy Award nomination for best actress.
Mainstream audiences later recognized her as Miss Teschmacher, the girlfriend of Lex Luthor, in Superman and its sequel, Superman II.
She later transitioned to television, appearing in “Leo & Liz in Beverly Hills” alongside Harvey Korman.
Across decades in film and television, Perrine built a legacy that blended critical acclaim with pop culture recognition, leaving behind performances that continue to resonate with audiences.
