Screen and Stage Star Jessica Walter Has Died

From Harper's BAZAAR

Emmy-winning actress Jessica Walter, best known for her roles in Arrested Development and Archer, died on Wednesday at the age of 80. She passed in her sleep in her New York City home, Deadline reported.

Walter is survived by her daughter, Brooke Bowman, and her grandson, Micah Heymann. Bowman confirmed the news of her mother's passing in a statement this afternoon.

"It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of my beloved mom Jessica," she wrote. "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."

Walter is beloved for her performance as the drink-toting matriarch, Lucille Bluth, in Arrested Development, on which she starred for all five seasons. She also famously voiced Malory Archer in FXX's animated series Archer. But her résumé transcends decades and mediums, including performances on the silver screen and the stage, like the '70s thriller Play Misty for Me with Clint Eastwood, Broadway's 2011 revival of Anything Goes, a stint on 90210, and much more.

Walter, who kicked off her journey in showbiz in New York City, looked back on her expansive career with ELLE.com in 2019. "I lost more parts than I've ever had, but you realize quick that you have to be like a terrier with a bone," she said. "So I did the circuit. My God, I did the circuit. If it's a good role, I don't care what the medium is, I take it."

Later, she added, "I mean, honey, you name it, I've done it."

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