Oscar-Nominated Superman Star Valerie Perrine Dies

Academy Award nominee Valerie Perrine passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the age of 82. The former Las Vegas showgirl had an impressive career, which included roles in two Superman films, where she played Lex Luthor‘s secretary. Stacey Souther announced her death.

Valerie Perrine dies at 82 after battling Parkinson’s disease

Valerie Perrine was best known for her acclaimed portrayal of Lenny Bruce’s drug addicted stripper wife in the biographical film Lenny. She died at the age of 82 on Monday, March 23, 2026. In addition to her role in Lenny, she also starred as Lex Luthor’s secretary in two Superman films. These films starred Christopher Reeve.

Stacey Souther, Perrine’s friend and partner, announced that Perrine died at her home in Beverly Hills. Perrine had Parkinson’s disease. She was diagnosed in 2015 and lived with the disease for more than a decade before her death.

“She faced Parkinson’s disease with incredible courage and compassion, never once complaining,” the director of Valerie wrote about his friend, “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 (via The Hollywood Reporter).”

Perrine was born in Galveston, Texas, on September 3, 1943. She began her career as a showgirl in “Lido de Paris” at the Stardust Resort and Casino in Las Vegas in 1968. After several years, she moved to Los Angeles. There, she was cast in George Roy Hill’s Slaughterhouse Five, which established her as a rising screen presence.

After appearing in several films, including The Last American Hero, Perrine took on another major role. She played Lenny Bruce’s wife, stripper Honey Bruce, in the biographical film Lenny. The role earned her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. It also brought her nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.

She later starred as Eve Teschmacher in Superman (1978) and its 1980 sequel, both featuring Christopher Reeve in the title role.

Her final film appearance was in Silver Skies in 2016.

Source: Comingsoon.net