Valerie Perrine, the Oscar-nominated actress best known for her roles in Superman and Lenny, has died at the age of 82 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, her close associates confirmed on Monday.
According to reports, Perrine passed away peacefully at her home in Beverly Hills on March 23, 2026, following years of declining health linked to the neurological disorder she had been fighting since 2015.
Her death was announced by longtime friend and filmmaker Stacey Souther, who paid tribute to her resilience, describing her as a woman who faced her illness “with incredible courage and compassion” and never complained despite the hardships.
Born in Galveston, Texas, in 1943, Perrine began her career as a Las Vegas showgirl before transitioning into acting in the early 1970s. She made her film debut in Slaughterhouse-Five (1972), quickly gaining recognition for her natural screen presence and distinctive charm.
Her breakthrough came with Bob Fosse’s 1974 film Lenny, in which she portrayed Honey Bruce opposite Dustin Hoffman. The performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, as well as a Cannes Film Festival Best Actress award and a BAFTA honor, cementing her place among Hollywood’s most promising talents of the era.
Perrine went on to achieve widespread fame as Eve Teschmacher, the witty and glamorous companion of Lex Luthor, in the 1978 blockbuster Superman and its 1980 sequel. Her role added both humor and emotional depth to the films, making her a memorable part of the iconic franchise.
Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, she appeared in several notable films, including The Electric Horseman and Can’t Stop the Music. While her career later slowed, she continued to take on occasional roles, including a supporting appearance in What Women Want (2000).
In her later years, Perrine’s battle with Parkinson’s disease became a central part of her life, with her condition significantly affecting her mobility and finances. A fundraising effort has been launched to help fulfill her final wish of being laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery in California.
Valerie Perrine is remembered not only for her talent and screen presence, but also for her strength, individuality, and enduring spirit—qualities that left a lasting impression on Hollywood and her fans around the world.