Valerie Perrine, 'Superman' Star and Oscar Nominee, Dies at 82

The actress, known for her roles in 'Lenny' and 'Superman', passed away after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 12:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Valerie Perrine, the Oscar-nominated actress known for her roles in the films 'Lenny' and 'Superman', has died at the age of 82 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Perrine's passing was confirmed by the director of a documentary about her life, Stacey Souther, who shared the news on social media.

Why it matters

Perrine was a respected and acclaimed actress who received an Oscar nomination for her performance in the 1974 film 'Lenny'. She also had a memorable role as Eve Teschmacher, the girlfriend of Lex Luthor, in the 'Superman' films of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Her death marks the end of an era for classic Hollywood cinema.

The details

Perrine began her career as a showgirl in Las Vegas before transitioning to film. She earned early recognition for her role in the 1972 film 'Slaughterhouse-Five' and received critical acclaim for her performance as Honey Bruce, the wife of comedian Lenny Bruce, in the 1974 biopic 'Lenny'. This role earned her an Oscar nomination and the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. Perrine went on to play the memorable role of Eve Teschmacher in the 'Superman' films starring Christopher Reeve.

  • Perrine was born in Galveston, Texas.
  • In 1969, Perrine was romantically involved with celebrity hairstylist Jay Sebring and was invited to, but did not attend, the infamous dinner party at the home of Sharon Tate where Sebring, Tate and several others were killed by the Manson Family.
  • Perrine earned early recognition in the 1972 film 'Slaughterhouse-Five'.
  • In 1974, Perrine received an Oscar nomination and won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her role in the film 'Lenny'.
  • Perrine played the role of Eve Teschmacher in the 'Superman' films in 1978 and 1980.

The players

Valerie Perrine

An Oscar-nominated actress known for her roles in the films 'Lenny' and 'Superman'. She passed away at the age of 82 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

Stacey Souther

The director of a documentary short about Valerie Perrine's life, who shared the news of her passing on social media.

Jay Sebring

A celebrity hairstylist who Perrine was romantically involved with in 1969.

Sharon Tate

The actress who was killed in the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders by the Manson Family in 1969, where Perrine was invited but did not attend.

Lenny Bruce

The famed comedian whose life was the basis for the 1974 film 'Lenny', in which Perrine played the role of his wife Honey Bruce.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It is with deep sadness that I share the heartbreaking news that Valerie has passed away. She faced Parkinson's disease with incredible courage and compassion, never once complaining. 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.”

— Stacey Souther, Director of documentary about Valerie Perrine

The takeaway

Valerie Perrine's passing marks the end of an era for classic Hollywood cinema. The Oscar-nominated actress was known for her acclaimed performances in films like 'Lenny' and 'Superman', and she faced her battle with Parkinson's disease with remarkable courage and grace. Her legacy as a talented and inspiring performer will continue to be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.