Valerie Perrine, who won a BAFTA in 1976 for her role in biographical drama Lenny, became an actress after spending several years as a showgirl at a casino resort hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada
BAFTA-winning actress Valerie Perrine — known for her roles in Lenny and Superman — has died at the age of 82.
Ms Perrine passed away at her home in Beverly Hills, California, following a lengthy journey with Parkinson’s disease. The actress had a successful career which spanned some 45 years, during which she won the BAFTA for Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles for her post in Lenny in 1976.
The star played Honey Bruce, the wife of comedian Lenny Bruce, in the drama, which was about his life. Following this success, Ms Perrine played Lex Luthor’s secretary in two Superman films; in 1978 and 1980. It led to roles in numerous other TV dramas and Hollywood blockbusters, such as Boiling Point with Wesley Snipes in 1993.
But Ms Perrine, born in Galveston, Texas, had to stop work after 45 years in 2016 following her Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. It robbed her of her mobility and much of her ability to eat and speak.
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Confirming Ms Perrine died on Monday at her home in Beverly Hills, the actress’ friend and soulmate Stacey Souther wrote: “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.”
The entertainer started her career as a showgirl at a casino resort hotel in Las Vegas but, in 1971, the woman fell into acting following a chance encounter with a celebrity agent. Her role in Lenny quickly followed and the film, based on the screenplay by Julian Barry of the same name, was released in 1974. Dustin Hoffman played Lenny, a role for which he was nominated for a BAFTA.
After Ms Perrine was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, she stopped acting, with her last film role coming in 2016 with a small part in American comedy-drama Silver Skies alongside George Hamilton. When Ms Souther began caring for her friend, a GoFund Me page was set up for her medical expenses. This will now go toward burial costs.
Speaking today, her brother Ken Perrine said: “I am devastated by the loss of my amazing sister Valerie… She lived an extraordinary life most us can only dream of. She will be missed by all that knew her and her loving fans. She fought till the end and never gave up.”
Ms Perrine was born on September 3, 1943, in Galveston, Texas. Her mother, Renee, was a dancer from Scotland, and her father, Kenneth, was a career military man who would retire from the US Army as a lieutenant colonel. She spent her childhood following her father’s military postings, which took the family to Japan, Paris and many stops in between.
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