Hollywood is saying goodbye to a true icon.
Valerie Perrine, the Oscar-nominated actress best known for her roles in “Lenny” and the original “Superman,” has died at 82 after a long fight with Parkinson’s disease.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by filmmaker Stacey Souther, who directed the documentary “Valerie,” a short film about Perrine’s life.
“It is with deep sadness that I share the heartbreaking news that Valerie has passed away,” Souther wrote in a social media post. “She faced Parkinson’s disease with incredible courage and compassion, never once complaining. She was a true inspiration who lived life to the fullest.”
Souther also revealed that Perrine had been battling the disease for more than 15 years, adding that her finances had been depleted during the long struggle. A fundraiser has been set up to help cover funeral expenses.
Born in Galveston, Perrine’s path to stardom wasn’t typical. She began her career as a Las Vegas showgirl before making the leap into Hollywood—where she quickly made a name for herself.
Her breakout role came in 1972’s “Slaughterhouse-Five,” but it was her performance in the 1974 biographical drama “Lenny” that turned her into a star. Playing Honey Bruce opposite Dustin Hoffman’s portrayal of comedian Lenny Bruce, Perrine delivered a performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination.
She didn’t stop there.
The role also won her Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival and earned her a Golden Globe nomination along with two BAFTA nods—cementing her place among Hollywood’s elite.
For many fans, though, Perrine will always be remembered for her unforgettable role as Eve Teschmacher—the glamorous and witty companion to Lex Luthor—in the 1978 blockbuster “Superman.” She reprised the role in “Superman II,” becoming a staple of one of the most beloved superhero franchises of all time.
There was also a chilling “what if” moment early in her life.
In 1969, while still working as a showgirl, Perrine was dating celebrity hairstylist Jay Sebring. She had been invited to a now-infamous dinner at Sharon Tate’s home—but didn’t attend. That gathering would later become the site of the brutal Tate-LaBianca murders carried out by followers of Charles Manson.
Through it all, Perrine lived what many are calling a bold, fascinating, and unforgettable life.
Now, after decades in the spotlight and a long, quiet battle with illness, she leaves behind a legacy that spans classic cinema, iconic roles, and a story that Hollywood won’t soon forget.