Desperate Housewives star Valerie Mahaffey dies aged 712 days ago Share Save Jenna Moon BBC News Share SaveGetty ImagesEmmy winning actress Valerie Mahaffey has died at age 71, her family has confirmed. Mahaffey's publicist confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the star died in California on Friday after being diagnosed with cancer. The star was known for her work on television series including Desperate Housewives, Young Sheldon and Big Sky. In Desperate Housewives, her memorable role as Alma Hodge, the manipulative ex-wife of Orson Hodge, saw her appear on the drama-filled Wisteria Lane for eight episodes. She also appeared as teacher Victoria MacElroy in Young Sheldon, a spin-off of the Big Bang Theory that focuses on the upbringing of the show's titular star Sheldon Cooper.