Actress Valerie Perrine, ‘Superman’ star and Oscar nominee, dies at 82
Valerie Perrine, the beloved actress known for her roles in Superman and the Oscar-nominated performance in Lenny, has passed away at the age of 82.
Her death was confirmed by her friend Stacey Souther, who revealed that Perrine had been battling Parkinson’s disease.
“It is with deep sadness that I share the heartbreaking news that Valerie has passed away,” Souther wrote on Perrine’s Facebook page. “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. The world feels less beautiful without her in it.”
Born Valerie Ritchie Perrine on September 3, 1943, in Galveston, Texas, she made her film debut in George Roy Hill’s adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five (1972) as Montana Wildhack.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Perrine appeared in over 65 film and television roles, earning acclaim for her versatility and charisma.
Perrine’s breakout role came in Bob Fosse’s 1974 biopic Lenny, in which she portrayed Honey Bruce, earning a Best Actress Oscar nomination.
She was also widely recognized for playing Eve Teschmacher, the loyal girlfriend of Lex Luthor in Christopher Reeve’s Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980).
Her other notable films included The Last American Hero (1973), W.C. Fields and Me (1976), The Electric Horseman (1979), and What Women Want (2000).
On television, Perrine appeared in numerous series, including Leo & Liz in Beverly Hills, Homicide: Life on the Street, ER, Nash Bridges, Walker, Texas Ranger, Just Shoot Me!, and As the World Turns.
Her final film role was in the 2016 movie Silver Skies, starring alongside George Hamilton and Mariette Hartley.
Souther also shared that Perrine’s final wish was to be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery, noting that after years of battling Parkinson’s, financial support is needed to fulfill her request.