Jessica Walter died aged 80
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)Jessica Walter, the Emmy-winning actor well-known for her roles in Arrested Development and Archer, has died aged 80.
Her daughter Brooke Bowman confirmed the news in a statement that paid tribute to Walter’s long career on the stage and screen.
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.
“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.”
Her Arrested Development co-star Tony Hale, who played her on-screen son Buster, was among those paying tribute.
He wrote: “She was a force, and her talent and timing were unmatched. Rest In Peace Mama Bluth.”
Jason Bateman who also plays one of Walter’s son’s in Arrested Development, said Walter was “one of a kind”.
R. I. P. Jessica Walter. What an incredible career, filled with amazing performances. I will forever remember my time with her, watching her bring Lucille Bluth to life. She was one of a kind. All my love and thoughts to her family.
— Jason Bateman (@batemanjason) March 25, 2021
The show’s producer John Levenstein said: “Jessica Walter never missed. If she didn’t get a laugh there was a problem with the script.”
Actor Viola Davis said Walter was “consistently excellent”.
Oh man!! I loved you Jessica Walter. I grew up watching you AND admiring you. Always consistently excellent. Rest well 💛 https://t.co/40d22s6pA1
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) March 25, 2021
Walter was best known for her role as Lucille Bluth in the sitcom Arrested Development, about a once-wealthy, dysfunctional family who have fallen on hard times.
However, her career extended back to New York where she attended High School of Performing Arts before landing her first theatre roles and winning a Clarence Derwent Award in 1963 for her Broadway performance in Photo Finish by Peter Ustinov.
Her major breakthrough film role came in 1971 with Play Misty For Me, in which she played an erratic young woman who becomes obsessed with, and begins stalking, a disc jockey.
She received a Golden Globe nomination and widespread critical praise.
Previously, she starred in the noir thriller Lilith in 1964, John Frankenheimer’s Grand Prix in 1966 and Bye Bye Braverman in 1968.
In 2003 she debuted as the scheming matriarch of the Bluth family in Arrested Development on Fox.
Jessica Walter was a queen in every way: kind, classy, incredibly talented, generous with love & support. And so insanely funny. She was the brilliant center of our @archerfxx universe. Sweet flight to you, dear Jessica. You were so loved, and we were so lucky to know you. 💔 pic.twitter.com/0fsXh6CwbS
— Aisha Tyler (@aishatyler) March 25, 2021
Following lacklustre viewing figures, the show was cancelled in 2006, but was revived by Netflix for season four in 2013, where it gained popularity.
Walter voiced tough spymaster Malory Archer on the FX animated series Archer.
According to Deadline, Walter’s family have asked that donations be made to Guiding Eyes for the Blind in lieu of flowers.
The actress also served as 2nd National Vice President of the Screen Actors Guild and was an elected member of the SAG Board of Directors for more than a decade.
