The official cause of death for Valerie Perrine has been confirmed. The beloved Superman actress passed away due to acute cardiopulmonary arrest, commonly known as sudden cardiac arrest.
According to her death certificate, Parkinson’s disease—first diagnosed in 2015—was the underlying cause, while dementia was also listed as a contributing factor by the Los Angeles Department of Health.
Her passing was announced on Monday, March 23, by close friend Stacey Souther in a heartfelt Facebook post shared on Perrine’s page. She was 82.
In his message, Souther expressed deep sorrow, describing her as a woman who faced Parkinson’s with remarkable courage and compassion, never complaining despite her long battle. He called her an inspiration who lived a full and magnificent life, adding that the world feels less beautiful without her.
Souther also shared that Perrine passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love, just as she had wished. He noted that after more than fifteen years of quietly battling Parkinson’s disease and severe central tremors, she was finally at rest. A GoFundMe campaign was also organized to support her funeral arrangements.
In 2022, Souther directed Valerie, a documentary highlighting her life, career, and journey with Parkinson’s.
He described the film as a tribute to her legacy, aiming to ensure she would never be forgotten. Perrine’s life spanned remarkable eras—from her time as a Las Vegas showgirl during its golden age to becoming a Hollywood star in the glamorous 1970s.
Best known for her role as Eve Teschmacher, Lex Luthor’s girlfriend, in Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980), Perrine built an impressive career across film and television. Her credits include W.C. Fields and Me, The Electric Horseman, The Border, Can’t Stop the Music, and What Women Want. She also earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in Lenny.
On television, she appeared in the comedy series Leo & Liz in Beverly Hills and made guest appearances on shows such as ER, The Practice, and Walker, Texas Ranger, among others. Her legacy remains one of talent, resilience, and lasting impact in the entertainment world.