Valerie Perrine, ‘Superman’ actress, dies at 82 from complications of Parkinson’s disease

Valerie Perrine, the actress from ‘Superman’ who recently died at 82 as a result of Parkinson’s disease and dementia complications.

The exact reason for the death of Valerie Perrine, the great actress and one of the stars of Superman, has been made public after she passed away at 82. As per her death certificate gotten by PEOPLE, Perrine died of acute cardiopulmonary arrest, which is another name for sudden cardiac arrest. The main cause was Parkinson’s disease, a condition she had been bravely fighting since 2015. Besides this, the Los Angeles Department of Health declared that dementia was a major factor in her death.

The information about her death was forwarded on Monday, March 23, by her best friend Stacey Souther in a touching message on Facebook. Souther, who was with Perrine during all the times when she was suffering from the disease, said that she was “very sad” while reminiscing the exemplary life and character of the actress. The name of Perrine as an outstanding actress, especially as Miss Teschmacher in the Superman movie, is still known and loved in the history of movies, although her last days were marked by her quiet and courageous suffering from the loss of health.

Valerie Perrine’s courageous battle with Parkinson’s gets honored by a close friend, Stacey Souther, who shares a heartfelt tribute.

Longtime close friend of Valerie Perrine, Stacey Souther, has paid a profound tribute after the actress passed away. “In fact, she said, “She dealt with Parkinson’s disease with such amazing courage and compassion that she didn’t even complain at one time.”

“She was an absolute role model who enjoyed life to the maximum and just what a wonderful life it was, too!” Looking back at the loss, she said, “Without her, this world is just not so lovely a place. I love you, Valerie. I’ll meet you on the other side.”

Souther also informed that Perrine “died peacefully at her home” and was “surrounded by love, just as she had wanted, ” In order to help fulfill Perrine’s last wishes, Souther has put up a GoFundMe campaign to support the actress’s funeral arrangements.

“After a little more than 15 years of a quiet, brave fight against both Parkinson’s disease and central tremors, the radiant, lively woman finally slept, ” Souther went on. Her message conveys the strength and elegance with which Perrine confronted her sickness, leaving a legacy of endurance and motivation for everyone who knew her.

Stacey Souther’s documentary Valerie celebrates the life and work of Oscar-nominated actress Valerie Perrine

Valerie is a 2022 documentary directed by Stacey Souther who besides being a close friend of the late actress was also her passionate advocate. The film captures the phenomenal career of the actress as well as her brave battle with Parkinson’s disease. Souther called Perrine a great source of inspiration and remembered her previous life in the 1950s when she was a Las Vegas showgirl as well as a movie star in the 1970s Hollywood that was a very fashionable, beautiful and extravagant time.

When speaking to Parkinson’s Life magazine in 2022, Souther revealed why she made the film: “Valerie is a love letter to her. I didn’t want her to be forgotten. I wanted her life and legacy to be celebrated and shared with the world.” This touching film allowed Souther to capture Perrine’s cinematic artistry and remarkable courage during the illness in a way which will keep touching people for many years even after her passing.

Valerie Perrine’s remarkable Hollywood journey: From “Superman” to Oscar nomination

Valerie Perrine was a true Hollywood icon who imbued her characters with a unique charm and at the same time demonstrated her ability to take on different roles. Most of the time, she will be remembered as Eve Teschmacher, the fashionable and paradoxically kind-hearted girl-friend of Lex Luthor, whom she played in the 1978 film Superman and the 1980 sequel, Superman II. Her acting synergy with Gene Hackman and her unforgettable act of saving Christopher Reeve’s Man of Steel contributed to her being etched in the history of cinema. Yet, the extent of her artistry was not limited to just the superhero movies; she was praised by critics and awarded with an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her intense and high-impact portrayal of Honey Bruce in Lenny directed by Bob Fosse.

More than just these landmark films, Perrine had a comprehensive list of movies where she worked. She played in W.C. Fields and Me, The Electric Horseman alongside Robert Redford, and the intense drama The Border with Jack Nicholson. Going to the other extreme, she took on the exceedingly outrageous image of stardom in the cult classic Can’t Stop the Music and eventually showed up in the Mel Gibson-led comedy What Women Want.

TV also opened the doors for her to demonstrate her prowess. She headlined the 1986 comedy show Leo & Liz in Beverly Hills, and she managed to become a regular presence to the viewers at home through her guest star roles on a large number of shows during the span of several decades. Starting from the kids’ show Ghostwriter up to the highly regarded detective series Homicide: Life on the Street, ER, The Practice, and Walker, Texas Ranger, Perrine was able to shake things up while also bringing a high degree of professionalism to each set, thus making sure that her memory would be that of a favorite and long-lasting person in the entertainment industry.