Valerie Perrine, the actress best known as Eve Teschmacher in the 1978 and 1980 Superman films and for her Oscar‑nominated turn in Lenny, has died at 82. The news, shared Monday by friend and documentarian Stacey Souther, marks the end of a long public life in film and a more private struggle with Parkinson’s disease.

What happened

Souther — who directed the short documentary Valerie — announced Perrine’s death on social media, writing that Perrine “faced Parkinson’s disease with incredible courage and compassion, never once complaining.” Souther said Perrine died at her home in Beverly Hills and asked supporters to use a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses after more than 15 years of medical costs exhausted her resources.

Key career highlights

  • Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal of Honey Bruce in Lenny (1974).
  • Best Actress award at the 1975 Cannes Film Festival; Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations followed.
  • Played Eve Teschmacher, Lex Luthor’s secretary and love interest, in Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980).
  • Early notable roles include Montana Wildhack in Slaughterhouse‑Five (1972); she also appeared in The Last American Hero and The Electric Horseman.

Why this matters now

Perrine’s death highlights both her lasting impact on 1970s and 1980s cinema and the precarious financial realities some aging actors face. The GoFundMe shared by Souther makes that reality public: funds raised for medical costs will now be redirected to cover burial expenses.

Personal background and lesser‑known facts

Born in Galveston, Texas, Perrine worked as a Las Vegas showgirl before transitioning to film. Reports note a personal connection to the late celebrity hairstylist Jay Sebring; Perrine was invited to a 1969 dinner that preceded the Sharon Tate murders but did not attend.

Reaction and context

Souther’s social post carried the most immediate response, blending grief with admiration: “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.” ABC News and other outlets have sought comment from Souther and Perrine’s representatives.

Fans and colleagues are expected to remember Perrine both for her glamorous, often edgy screen presence and for a breakthrough dramatic performance in Lenny that earned rare critical accolades for a young actress at the time.

What’s next

There is no public funeral date yet. The GoFundMe linked by Souther aims to cover burial costs; organizers said Perrine’s finances were exhausted after more than 15 years battling Parkinson’s. The short documentary Valerie may see renewed interest as viewers revisit Perrine’s life and work.

Legacy

Valerie Perrine’s career bridged studio blockbusters and art‑house acclaim. From showgirl to Oscar nominee to a memorable role in a major comic‑book franchise, her performances left a distinctive mark on American film history.