Valerie Mahaffey, Emmy-winning actress known for *Northern Exposure*, *Young Sheldon*, and *Desperate Housewives*, died at 71 after battling cancer.

Her husband, Joseph Kell, called her “one of America’s most endearing actresses.”

Born in Indonesia in 1953, she had a celebrated career on stage and screen, winning a Primetime Emmy and two Obie Awards.

Mahaffey appeared in many TV shows and films, leaving a lasting impact with her memorable, nuanced performances