Valerie Perrine, an actress best remembered for her acclaimed movie work in the '70s and '80s, passed away on March 23 at the age of 82.
Her friend Stacey Souther shared the news of her death on social media, with a link to a GoFundMe page to cover costs of the funeral and memorial service, while also revealing that she lost her life after an over decade-long battle with Parkinson's disease.
© Getty Images"It is with deep sadness that I share the heartbreaking news that Valerie has passed away," Stacey's post on Facebook read. "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. I love you, Valerie. I'll see you on the other side."
Valerie Perrine's career
Valerie's career first began in the late '60s when she worked as a showgirl at a club in Las Vegas, before her natural sex appeal landed her a role as Montana Wildhack in the acclaimed 1972 film Slaughterhouse-Five, which was nominated for a Palme d'Or at Cannes.
In 1974, she landed the role of stripper Honey Bruce in Bob Fosse's Lenny, which was an immediate critical darling. She won a BAFTA Award and Best Actress at Cannes for her performance, and represented one of the film's six nominations at the Academy Awards.
In 1978, she played the beautiful but complicated Miss Eve Teschmacher beside Gene Hackman's Lex Luthor in Superman, earning a whole new fanbase. She reprised the role in its 1980 sequel.
© Getty ImagesAlso in 1980, she appeared in the film Can't Stop the Music, playing retired supermodel Sam Simpson. The film was bombarded with negative reviews, receiving Worst Picture at the very first Golden Raspberry Awards and is credited as being one of the films to inspire the creation of the Razzies. It has since become a cult classic.
Valerie continued acting well into her 70s, her last screen appearance being in the 2016 film Silver Skies and an appearance in a documentary about producer Allan Carr the following year.
Her love life
In 1969, Valerie was due to tie the knot with gun collector Bill Haarman, who she'd met while living in Las Vegas. However, he died of an accidental gunshot wound a month before their wedding.
© Getty ImagesShe then began dating Hollywood hairstylist Jay Sebring, however that relationship too met a tragic end when he invited her to have dinner with some friends, including Sharon Tate. Valerie was originally due to join, but then had to cancel at the last minute, and on that same night, Jay, Sharon and six others were brutally murdered by members of the Manson Family.
Her battle with Parkinson's
Per her GoFundMe page, Valerie battled Parkinson's disease for over 15 years (other reports cite her diagnosis being received in 2015), which caused a dip in her on-screen work. She lived in Beverly Hills, passing away at home surrounded by loved ones.
© Getty ImagesShe is survived by her brother Ken Perrine, who is also currently battling Parkinson's.
