Los-Angeles, March 24: Oscar-nominated actress Valerie Perrine, widely recognized for her roles in Superman and Lenny, has passed away at the age of 82 following a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Her longtime partner, Stacey Souther, confirmed that she died at her residence in Beverly Hills on Monday.

Perrine earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her powerful performance in Lenny (1974). She also gained widespread popularity for portraying Miss Eve Teschmacher, the girlfriend of Lex Luthor, in the Superman films directed by Richard Donner.

Long battle with illness

Perrine was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015, though her partner revealed she had been battling symptoms for over 15 years. Despite the challenges, she faced the illness with resilience and grace.

According to Souther, early signs began around 2011 with essential tremors, which gradually affected her ability to perform. Over time, her condition worsened, severely impacting her speech, mobility, and independence.

The prolonged illness also took a toll on her career and finances, as acting opportunities declined. A fundraiser was later initiated to support her medical and funeral expenses.

Celebrated career in Hollywood

Perrine rose to prominence in the early 1970s with her debut in Slaughterhouse-Five. She received critical acclaim for her role as Honey Bruce in Lenny, winning Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival and earning a BAFTA award.

She went on to star alongside Christopher Reeve in the Superman series, as well as appearing in films such as The Last American Hero (1973) with Jeff Bridges and The Electric Horseman opposite Robert Redford.

Her later work included Can’t Stop the Music (1980), where she appeared alongside Caitlyn Jenner and the Village People.

Valerie Perrine leaves behind a lasting legacy in Hollywood, remembered for her bold performances and enduring contribution to cinema.