Valerie Perrine, Hollywood Star of Lenny and Superman, Passes Away at 82
Valerie Perrine, the celebrated actress renowned for her Oscar-nominated performance in Lenny and her role as Lex Luthor's girlfriend in the Superman films, has died at the age of 82. The sad news was confirmed by filmmaker Stacey Souther, who shared a heartfelt announcement on Facebook, expressing deep sorrow and requesting support for her funeral expenses through a GoFundMe campaign.
A Courageous Battle with Parkinson's Disease
Perrine had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2015, a condition she faced with remarkable bravery for over 15 years. Souther, who also created a documentary about her struggle in 2019, praised her unwavering spirit, noting she never complained and lived life to the fullest. Her financial resources were depleted due to the long-term illness, prompting the fundraiser to fulfill her final wish of burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
From Showgirl to Screen Icon: A Storied Career
Perrine's journey to stardom began in Las Vegas as a showgirl, but tragedy struck when her fiancé, a gun importer, accidentally shot himself. She then moved to Los Angeles, where her life intersected with Hollywood's darker side, including an affair with hairdresser Jay Sebring, who was later murdered by the Manson Family.
Her big break came when a talent agent discovered her at a dinner party, leading to roles in films like Slaughterhouse-Five (1972) and The Last American Hero (1973). In a groundbreaking moment, she became the first female actor to appear intentionally nude on US TV in a PBS play called Steambath, a scene that later helped fund the broadcaster.
Acclaim and Awards: The Height of Her Fame
In 1974, Perrine's portrayal of Honey Bruce in Bob Fosse's Lenny, opposite Dustin Hoffman, earned her critical acclaim, winning the best actress award at Cannes and nominations for a Golden Globe and an Academy Award. She further cemented her fame in the late 1970s as Miss Teschmacher in Superman (1978) and its sequel, starring alongside Gene Hackman.
Other notable roles included playing the mistress of WC Fields, the ex-wife of Robert Redford in The Electric Horseman (1979), and Jack Nicholson's wife in The Border (1982). However, her involvement in the 1980 film Can't Stop the Music, a quasi-biopic of Village People, led to career regrets, as she felt it damaged her reputation and prompted a move to Europe.
Later Years and Legacy
In the decades that followed, Perrine worked less frequently but appeared in films such as Water (1985) and What Women Want (2000). She remained a beloved figure in Hollywood, remembered for her talent, resilience, and the inspiration she provided through her battle with Parkinson's. Her passing marks the loss of a true icon whose contributions to film will be cherished for years to come.
