Arrested Development star Jessica Walter dies aged 80

Jessica Walter has died, aged 80.

The actress, most recently known for her role as the iconic Lucille Bluth in Arrested Development, died in her sleep at her New York home on March 24.

Her daughter, Brooke Bowman, confirmed the sad news in a statement, given to Deadline.

‘It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of my beloved mum Jessica,’ it read. 

‘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.’

Deadline states that the family has also asked that donations are made to charity Guide Dogs for the Blind, instead of flowers.

Tony Hale – who played Jessica’s on-screen son Buster Bluth – was the first to pay tribute.

Taking to Instagram, he posted a selfie of the pair on the comedy set, alongside the message: ‘She was a force, and her talent and timing were unmatched.

‘Rest In Peace Mama Bluth.’

Jessica enjoyed an incredible career that spanned five decades, making appearances on stage as well as on the big and small screen.

She began her time in the spotlight on the stage, winning an award for her Broadway performance in Photo Finish in 1963.

The star soon made the switch over to TV, making a name for herself in series Murder, She Wrote, Babylon 5, Three’s A Crowd, The Magician and a brief cameo in The Big Bang Theory.

Jessica’s role in Ironside spin-off Amy Prentiss nabbed the Hollywood legend her first Emmy win, for outstanding lead actress in a miniseries or movie.

But her most noted TV appearance came in 2003, when she played Lucille Bluth on Arrested Development.

She starred as the sassy matriarch of the family, opposite Jason Bateman, Tony Hale, Portia de Rossi and Michael Cera.

Jessica also voiced Mallory Archer on FX sitcom Archer, for more than 100 episodes between 2009 – 2020.

Her final role came last month as she made a cameo on American Housewife.

As well as the small screen, Jessica’s film credits include 1966 hit Grand Prix – which earned her a SAG nomination – Undercover Grandpa and Dummy.

Jessica has been survived by daughter Brooke Bowman – who she shares with first husband Ross Bowman – and is grandmother to Micah Heymann.

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