Desperate Housewives star Valerie Mahaffey dies aged 71

Tributes have begun to pour in.

Her publicist Jillian Roscoe confirmed that Mahaffey died in Los Angeles on Friday.

Her husband Joseph Kell, told Variety: "I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses. She will be missed."

In a post on Instagram, her daughter Alice Richards said: "Don't really have the words to say right now. Cancer sucks. I'll look for you in all the fun moments of life. 

"I know that's where you'll be, I know we'll see each other again someday. I love you infinity much."

Tributes have poured in for the Young Sheldon star.

One person wrote on X: "RIP Valerie Mahaffey. Thanks for all the laughs."

Another person commented: "Oh man, Valerie Mahaffey was always one of the most underrated and fantastic character actresses around. She was in EVERYTHING! And no one did soft spoken, passive aggressive viciousness better! So sad to hear she's passed and only 71. RIP."

Somebody else said: "RIP to a wonderful character actress. No matter the episode count or number of lines she would have, Valerie Mahaffey made an impression. Loved her as Frasier's secretary & on Big Sky."

Another user posted: "Very sad to hear about the passing of Valerie Mahaffey, a brilliant comedian and a gem of a human being."