‘Superman’ and ‘Lenny’ Actor Valerie Perrine Dead at 82

(L to R) Valerie Perrine and Gene Hackman in ‘Superman II’. Photo: Warner Bros.

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Valerie Perrine has died at the age of 82.
She was best known for her roles in ‘Superman’ and ‘Lenny.’
In later years, she became an advocate for Parkinson’s disease awareness after her diagnosis.

Valerie Perrine, the actress who captivated audiences with her bold performances in films like ‘Superman’ and ‘Lenny,’ has died at the age of 82.

“You’ll believe a man can fly.”

Release Date: Dec 15, 1978

Run Time: 2 hr 24 min

Budget: $55,000,000

Her death was announced by friend Stacey Souther, who has set up a GoFundMe page to help defray funeral costs.

Here’s Souther’s statement:

“Valerie Perrine gave everything she had to her craft, her fans, and her life — with grace, humor, and an indomitable spirit that Parkinson’s itself could never fully extinguish. Let’s make sure her final chapter is written with the same dignity and love that she gave to all of us.”

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Valerie Perrine: Early Life and Career

(L to R) Dustin Hoffman and Valerie Perrine in ‘Lenny’. Photo: United Artists.

Born September 3, 1943, in Galveston, Texas, Valerie Perrine grew up with a passion for performance and entertainment. She began her career as a dancer and showgirl in Las Vegas before transitioning into acting.

Her breakthrough came in 1974 when she starred as Honey Bruce in ‘Lenny,’ opposite Dustin Hoffman. Her fearless and emotionally layered performance earned her an Academy Award nomination and established her as one of the most compelling actresses of her time.

Valerie Perrine: A Life in Film and Television

(L to R) Valerie Perrine and Jeff Bridges in the documentary ‘Valerie’.

Following ‘Lenny,’ Perrine gained widespread recognition for her role as Eve Teschmacher in the 1978 blockbuster ‘Superman,’ starring alongside Christopher Reeve and Gene Hackman. She reprised the role in ‘Superman II,’ further cementing her place in pop culture history.

Throughout her career, Perrine appeared in a range of films and television projects, showcasing her versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles. While she never fully courted the spotlight in later years, her performances remained beloved by fans and critics alike.

Valerie Perrine: Offscreen

Valerie Perrine in the documentary ‘Valerie’.

In her personal life, Perrine faced significant health challenges, including a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, which she publicly discussed in later years. She became an advocate for awareness, speaking candidly about her condition and inspiring others with her resilience.

She will be remembered for her daring performances, her vibrant personality, and the lasting impact she made on Hollywood and audiences around the world.