Jessica Walter, the Emmy-winning actress who played the iconic role of Lucille Bluth in the comedy series Arrested Development, passed away on March 24, 2021 at the age of 80. Her daughter, Brooke Bowman, confirmed the news in a statement, saying that Walter died in her sleep at her home in New York City.
A Career Spanning Six Decades
Walter was a versatile and prolific actress who had a career spanning six decades. She started her acting journey on Broadway and then moved to television and film. She appeared in dozens of shows and movies, such as Grand Prix, Play Misty for Me, The Flamingo Kid, Trapper John M.D., Murder She Wrote, Law & Order, The Big Bang Theory, and many more.
She won an Emmy in 1975 for her starring role as a detective in the police drama Amy Prentiss. She also received four Emmy nominations for her work on Arrested Development and one for her voice role as Malory Archer on the animated series Archer.
A Beloved Matriarch of Comedy
Walter was best known for her hilarious and memorable performance as Lucille Bluth, the wealthy and narcissistic matriarch of the dysfunctional Bluth family on Arrested Development. She delivered some of the most quotable lines on the show with her impeccable timing and wit. She also showed her range and depth as an actress by portraying Lucille’s vulnerability and complexity.
Walter was loved and respected by her co-stars and colleagues on Arrested Development. Jason Bateman, who played her son Michael on the show, tweeted that he will forever remember his time with her and that she was “one of a kind”. Tony Hale, who played her son Buster on the show, said that she was “a force” and that he was “privileged to have worked with her”. Will Arnett, who played her son Gob on the show, called her “a deeply talented person” who he admired since he first met her in 1996.
A Legacy That Lives On
Walter’s death has left a void in the entertainment industry and in the hearts of her fans. She was a trailblazer who paved the way for many female comedians and actors. She was also a generous and gracious person who brought joy to others through her storytelling both on screen and off.
Her daughter Brooke Bowman said that Walter’s legacy will live on through her body of work and that she will also be remembered by many for her “wit, class and overall joie de vivre”.
Jessica Walter’s cause of death has not been officially revealed yet, but according to Global Magazine⁴, she died of a COVID-19 infection. However, this claim has not been verified by any other source. According to US Day News, Walter’s cause of death is still unknown.
Regardless of how she died, Jessica Walter will always be remembered as a legend who made us laugh and cry with her brilliant performances. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her..
