Jessica Walter died in her sleep at home in New York City on March 24th, 2021. The actor
was 80 years old. The star, whose career spanned over 60 years, is best known to contemporary
audiences for her five-season performance as Lucille Bluth in Arrested Development.
She also starred in a number of other popular TV series, including Archer, Saving Grace,
Murder, She Wrote, 90120, and the soap opera One Life to Live in the late '90s. She took
home an Emmy Award in 1975 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Special Program in NBC's
Amy Prentiss and was nominated for three more in 1977, 1980, and 2005.
Walter's daughter Brooke Bowman confirmed the news of her mom's death, releasing a statement
on March 25th, 2021. She wrote,
"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's fans have taken to social media to remember the actress and the legacy
she leaves behind. While many are simply honoring the star by sharing GIFs of her legendary
Arrested Development character, Lucille Bluth, winking dramatically, others are posting heartfelt
tributes. One person wrote via Twitter,
"I think Jessica Walter's Lucille Bluth was the single funniest TV performance I can think
of. The writing and everything put her in a position to succeed and all that, but she
just couldn't have been better in it."
Another Twitter user added,
"Jessica Walter is one of the all time greatest comedic actors. So many lines only worked
because of her inflection, the arc of her eyebrows. What a titanic talent. What a heart-rending
loss."
Even celebrities like Matilda star Mara Wilson reacted to the news, tweeting,
"G-------t NO."
Viola Davis also paid tribute, writing,
"I loved you Jessica Walter. I grew up watching you AND admiring you. Always consistently
excellent."
As did actor Henry Winkler, who wrote:
"OH NO...We worked together for years on ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT...It was an honor to watch her
comedy explode from the very first row."
Jessica Walter's Arrested Development co-stars also took to social media to share condolences
and remember the award-winning actress. Jason Bateman, who starred as Walter's on-screen
son Michael Bluth, paid tribute via Twitter, writing,
"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."
Walter's other TV son, Tony Hale added,
"She was a force, and her talent and timing were unmatched. Rest In Peace Mama Bluth."
Other Arrested Development stars, including David Cross, Will Arnett, and Alia Shawkat
also shared heartfelt messages online. Cross tweeted that he considers himself,
"Privileged and very lucky to have been able to work with her."
Arnett honored Walter by saying he is
"Fortunate to have had a front row seat to her brilliance for 25 years."
Shawkat, who played Walter's on-screen granddaughter Maeby, simply wrote on Instagram:
"Love you Gangie."
Producer John Levenstein added:
"Jessica Walter never missed. If she didn't get a laugh there was a problem with the script."
Though Jessica Walter has appeared in over 150 film or TV projects throughout her seven-decade
acting career, many will remember her for her role as matriarch Lucille Bluth on Arrested
Development. She played the legendary character for five seasons and was nominated for an
Emmy in 2005 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. As The Guardian pointed
out, while many of the series' cast members went on to become big-time stars, including
Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Michael Cera, Walter's….,
"Lucille was, arguably, the heart of the show. [...] Walter landed the role she was born
to play: a beautifully written, brilliantly wicked character that she elevated to icon
status."
The actress did it with class even when she was rolling her eyes at her co-stars.
TV's history may be full of witty lines and memorable scenes from iconic characters, but
no one will ever compare to Walter's GIF-able Lucille. Her comic delivery was unlike anyone
else's and she will be greatly missed. This is a loss that will be felt for a long time.