Emmy-winning actress Jessica Walter dies in her sleep

Jessica Walter, best known for her role in Arrested Development, passed away in her sleep at her New York home. She was 80. The Emmy-winning actress’s daughter Brooke Bowman confirmed the news of her death in a statement on Thursday, March 25.Brooke Bowman in a statement, an entertainment industry executive and Jessica Walter’s daughter released a statement about her mother’s death. It read, “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of my beloved mom Jessica. A working actor for over six decades, her greatest pleasure was bringing joy to others through her storytelling both on screen and off. While her legacy will live on through her body of work, she will also be remembered by many for her wit, class and overall joie de vivre.”

Jessica Walter made her Broadway debut in 1963’s Photo Finish and featured in the TV series Love of Life from 1962 to 1965. Her big movie break was in Clint Eastwood’s 1971 thriller Play Misty For Me. She was also lauded for her performances in John Frankenheimer’s Grand Prix and Sidney Lumet’s The Group, both of which released in 1966. Jessica Walter won an Emmy in 1975 for the series Amy Prentiss. The actress was also known for her voice work in the animated series Archer. The best of her comedic flair came out with her portrayal of Lucille Bluth in Arrested Development. Jessica Walter’s most recent film appearances included The Mimic and Undercover Grandpa. She also lent her voice to the animated Harley Quinn series and appeared in certain episodes of American Housewife and Good Girls. The actress’s husband and Tony-winning actor Ron Leibman, died in 2019. She is survived by her daughter Brooke Bowman.