Jessica Walter, the American actor who became best known in recent years for her role in Arrested Development, has sadly died in her sleep at the age of 80 at her home in New York.
Walter's lengthy acting career took off in the 1960s when she appeared on stage in Photo Finish by Peter Ustinov.
As a star of television she appeared in popular series including Route 66, The Doctors and The Nurses, The Rogues and The Defenders.
She is best known for her role as a scheming alcoholic in Arrested Development, where she played Lucille Bluth between 2003 and 2006. A character that was nothing like her.
It earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress.
Walter's daughter, Brooke Bowman, released a statement confirming her mother's death.
She said: "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."
She said her mother would be remembered by many for her "wit, class and overall joie de vivre."
Walter starred in Clint Eastwood's directorial debut, Play Misty For Me. She also voiced Malory Archer on FXX's animated series, Archer.
In 1975, she won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her role in The NBC Mystery Movie.
