Valerie Perrine, ‘Superman’ Star and ‘Lenny’ Oscar Nominee, Dies at 82
Valerie Perrine died Monday at her Beverly Hills home. She was 82 years old.
Her death was announced by friend and soulmate Stacey Souther. Souther had cared for her for years.
Illness and final care
Perrine was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015. The illness gradually took her mobility and much speech.
She had battled essential tremors for over a decade. She underwent brain surgery with limited success.
A GoFundMe page had supported her medical needs. Funds will now be used for burial costs, Souther said.
Career highlights
Valerie Perrine rose from Las Vegas stages to major film roles. She became known for her bold screen presence.
Her breakthrough came in Lenny, in which she played Honey opposite Dustin Hoffman. The role earned her awards and an Oscar nomination.
- Won best actress at Cannes for Lenny.
- Received a BAFTA for most promising newcomer.
- Was nominated for the Academy Award for best actress.
She also won broad recognition as a ‘Superman’ star. Perrine portrayed Eve Teschmacher in Superman and its sequel.
Her character aided Lex Luthor and later helped rescue Superman. Fans often greeted her with cries of “Miss Teschmacher!”
Other notable films
- Slaughterhouse-Five (1972) as Montana Wildhack.
- The Last American Hero (1973) opposite Jeff Bridges.
- The Electric Horseman (1979) with Robert Redford.
- W.C. Fields and Me (1976) as Carlotta Monti.
- The Magician of Lublin (1979) with Alan Arkin.
- The Border (1982) with Jack Nicholson.
- Water (1985) opposite Michael Caine.
- What Women Want (2000) in a supporting role.
She also appeared in the disco film Can’t Stop the Music. Perrine later said that film hurt her career.
Public image and early milestones
Perrine was widely regarded as a sex symbol of her era. She posed for Playboy on several occasions.
In 1973, she became the first woman to intentionally expose her breasts on American television. The scene appeared in the PBS telefilm Steambath.
After Lenny, major outlets praised her unique screen persona. The New York Times called her a “sensual Betty Boop” in a 1974 profile.
Early life and discovery
Valerie Ritchie Perrine was born on Sept. 3, 1943, in Galveston, Texas. Her mother, Renee, was a Scottish dancer.
Her father, Kenneth, was a career Army officer who retired as a lieutenant colonel. The family moved often.
She briefly studied psychology at the University of Arizona. She left school to become a Las Vegas showgirl.
She rose to be a lead dancer in the Lido de Paris at the Stardust Hotel. At one point, she earned about $800 a week.
A dramatic personal loss in January 1969 changed her life. Her fiancé, Bill Haarman, died in an accidental firearms incident.
She later spent time in Europe and returned to pursue acting. A casting agent discovered her after overhearing a lively phone call.
Personal relationships and later years
Perrine never married and had no children. She was romantically linked to several well-known men.
- Jeff Bridges
- Elliott Gould
- Dodi Fayed
She reduced her workload in the early 2000s due to declining health. A 2017 dental procedure was funded by the nonprofit Smile Fairies.
Her brother, Ken Perrine, also lives with Parkinson’s disease. He called her life extraordinary and said she fought until the end.
Souther praised her courage and compassion. Perrine’s final wish was to be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills.
This account is reported by Filmogaz.com. It reflects Perrine’s long career and the tributes that followed her death.
