Valerie Perrine, a former Las Vegas showgirl who became an Oscar-nominated actress, has died at 82 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Her friend Stacey Souther shared, “It is with deep sadness that I share the heartbreaking news that Valerie has passed away,” remembering her as courageous and full of life until the end.

Perrine began her career on the stages of Las Vegas after growing up in a military family that moved frequently. She performed in the Lido de Paris show at the Stardust Hotel, where demanding routines and bold performances shaped her confidence. A chance meeting with an agent led to a screen test, launching her unexpected transition into acting.

Her breakthrough came in 1974 with *Lenny*, starring alongside Dustin Hoffman. Playing Honey Harlow, she earned an Academy Award nomination, a BAFTA, and Best Actress at Cannes. The role proved her depth, establishing her as more than just a glamorous presence.

She later gained worldwide fame as Eve Teschmacher in *Superman* and its sequel. The role highlighted her charm and humor, making her a pop culture favorite. Though often labeled a “sex symbol,” Perrine openly discussed both the opportunities and limitations that came with that image.

In later years, she battled Parkinson’s disease, documented in the 2019 film *Valerie*. Despite her struggles, she kept her wit, saying, “The doctors don’t know what’s going on with me… They can’t figure it out.” When asked her own explanation, she replied, “Karma.” Her life—bold, resilient, and unconventional—leaves behind a lasting Hollywood legacy.