Mahaffey died Friday in Los Angeles, according to publicist Jillian Roscoe.
"I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses. She will be missed," her husband, actor Joseph Kell, said in a statement. Survivors also include their daughter, Alice Richards.Â
Mahaffey's stage, film and television work included the soap opera The Doctors more than 45 years ago and encompassed roles in the TV series Young Sheldon and Desperate Housewives.
She appeared in the movie Sully with Tom Hanks, directed by Clint Eastwood, and played Madame Reynard in French Exit with Michelle Pfeiffer.
She won an outstanding supporting actress in a drama series Emmy award for her portrayal of hypochondriac Eve on Northern Exposure.
Mahaffey also appeared on television in The Powers That Be, Big Sky, Seinfeld, Wings and ER.
Her film credits include Jungle 2 Jungle, Senior Trip and Seabiscuit.
As a child, Mahaffey lived in Indonesia, Nigeria, England and Texas.
8°C