Valerie Perrine, 82, died from acute cardiopulmonary arrest, with Parkinson’s disease as an underlying cause. Photo / Getty Images
Valerie Perrine, 82, died from acute cardiopulmonary arrest, with Parkinson’s disease as an underlying cause. Photo / Getty Images
Superman star Valerie Perrine died after suffering sudden cardiac arrest.
The 82-year-old actor – who played Eve Teschmacher, the personal assistant and love interest of Lex Luthor, in the superhero films – died at her home in Beverly Hills, California last month. It’s been revealed her cause of death waslisted as acute cardiopulmonary arrest with Parkinson’s disease being listed as an underlying cause.
According to the death certificate, obtained by PEOPLE.com, dementia was also listed as a contributing factor.
After her death, Perrine’s longtime partner, Stacey Souther, praised the actor for living her life “to the fullest” despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015.
Souther told The Hollywood Reporter: “She faced Parkinson’s disease with incredible courage and compassion, never once complaining.
“She was a true inspiration who lived life to the fullest – and what a magnificent life it was. The world feels less beautiful without her in it.”
A GoFundMe was set up for Perrine’s medical costs and her burial at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Photo / Getty Images
Souther cared for Perrine as the disease progressed and eventually took away her mobility, as well as the actor’s ability to eat and talk.
A GoFundMe crowdfunder was set up to cover Perrine’s medical costs, but later donations went towards giving her a proper “farewell” and honouring her wish of being buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills.
The page’s description included a message from Perrine’s brother Ken, who is also fighting a battle with Parkinson’s.
He wrote: “I am devastated by the loss of my amazing sister, Valerie, this morning. She lived an extraordinary life most of us can only dream of.
“She will be missed by everyone that knew her, and especially her loving fans. She fought till the end and never gave up.
“Thank you all for the kind support over the years. I appreciate all the love you have given her. Please donate and share so we can make her final wish come true. (sic)”
Souther immortalised his partner in a 2022 documentary, Valerie, and he told Parkinson’s Life magazine that she wanted to make sure the actor was not forgotten.
He said: “Valerie inspired me. She was a showgirl in Vegas during its golden era and a movie star in 1970s Hollywood during the last decade of glitz, glamour and excess.
“This film is a love letter to her. I didn’t want her to be forgotten. I wanted her life and legacy to be celebrated and shared with the world.”
