Emmy-Winning Actor Jessica Walter Passes Away At The Age Of 80

Jessica Walter passes away: Actor Jessica Walter, who was best known for her Emmy-winning role as Lucille Bluth in Arrested Development, passed away on March 24. “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of my beloved mom Jessica,” said daughter Brooke Bowman in a statement. 80-year-old Walters passed away in her sleep at her New York home.

The Emmy-winning actor had worked in various television shows and films including classics like Clint Eastwood's Play Misty for Me and her 1966 breakout role Grand Prix, before playing the grandmother in cult comedy Arrested Development. “A working actor for over six decades, her greatest pleasure was bringing joy to others through her storytelling both on screen and off. While her legacy will live on through her body of work, she will also be remembered by many for her wit, class and overall joie de vivre,” Bowman added.

Walter had won an Emmy in 1975 for the series Amy Prentiss and received three nominations for her performance in the hit comedy show. Walter was also known as a voice artist for lending her voice in the animated series Archer, playing Malory Archer, the former CEO of the International Secret Intelligence Service.

"She was a force, and her talent and timing were unmatched. Rest In Peace Mama Bluth," tweeted co-star Tony Hale

She was a force, and her talent and timing were unmatched. Rest In Peace Mama Bluth. pic.twitter.com/wJeOeJleR3

— Tony Hale (@MrTonyHale) March 25, 2021

Henry Winkler, who also starred on the show, wrote, “It was an honor to watch her comedy explode from the very first row.”

OH NO ...We worked together for years on ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT ..It was an honor to watch her comedy explode from the very first row . https://t.co/edVRAPsKRk

— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) March 25, 2021

The show Arrested Development earned critical acclaim during its original run on Fox before it was cancelled in 2006. Walter's most recent big-screen appearances included The Mimic and Undercover Grandpa. She also provided her voice to the animated Harley Quinn series and appeared in episodes of American Housewife and Good Girls.

Walter’s husband, Friends Ron Leibman was a Tony-winning actor who died in 2019. She was survived by daughter Bowman.

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