Jessica Walter, the award-winning actress who played the iconic role of Lucille Bluth in the cult comedy series Arrested Development, died on March 24, 2021 at the age of 80. Her death shocked and saddened her fans and colleagues, who remembered her as a talented, witty and classy performer. Here is what we know about Jessica Walter’s cause of death and her legacy.
Passed Away in Her Sleep
According to her publicist and her daughter Brooke Bowman, Jessica Walter passed away in her sleep at her home in Manhattan, New York². The cause of death was not specified by her publicist². However, her daughter confirmed that she died of a COVID-19 infection⁴.
Jessica Walter had a long and successful career as a working actor for over six decades. She appeared in dozens of movies, TV shows and stage productions, earning critical acclaim and awards for her performances. She won an Emmy for starring as a detective in the police drama Amy Prentiss in 1974², and was nominated for two Golden Globes for her roles in Grand Prix (1966) and Play Misty for Me (1971)².
Best Known for Arrested Development
Jessica Walter became widely known to a new generation of viewers when she starred as Lucille Bluth, the icy and manipulative matriarch of the dysfunctional Bluth family, in Arrested Development. The show ran for three seasons on Fox from 2003 to 2006, and was revived by Netflix for two more seasons in 2013 and 2018².
Jessica Walter’s performance as Lucille Bluth was widely praised for its comedic timing, delivery and expression. She earned an Emmy nomination for her role in 2005², and became a popular source of memes and quotes on the internet. Some of her most memorable lines included:
– “I don’t understand the question, and I won’t respond to it.”
– “Get me a vodka rocks.” “Mom, it’s breakfast.” “And a piece of toast.”
– “I love all my children equally.” “I don’t care for Gob.”
Jessica Walter’s co-stars on Arrested Development paid tribute to her on social media, expressing their admiration and affection for her. Jason Bateman, who played her son Michael Bluth, wrote: “I will forever remember my time with her, watching her bring Lucille Bluth to life. She was one of a kind.”² Tony Hale, who played her son Buster Bluth, wrote: “She was a force, and her talent and timing were unmatched.”² Will Arnett, who played her son Gob Bluth, wrote: “She was a deeply talented person we were all so lucky to work with.”²
Other Notable Roles
Apart from Arrested Development, Jessica Walter also voiced the character of Malory Archer, the sarcastic and domineering boss of a spy agency, on the animated series Archer. She voiced the role from 2009 until her death², and completed recording season 12 before she passed away³. The showrunners decided to write off her character in season 13 as a tribute to her³.
Jessica Walter also appeared in many other popular TV shows, such as NCIS, Law & Order, The Big Bang Theory, Trapper John M.D., Murder She Wrote and The Love Boat. She also starred in several films, such as The Flamingo Kid (1984), PCU (1994), Slums of Beverly Hills (1998) and Bending the Rules (2012)².
A Legacy of Joy
Jessica Walter’s daughter Brooke Bowman said that her mother’s greatest pleasure was bringing joy to others through her storytelling both on screen and off². She also said that she will be remembered by many for her wit, class and overall joie de vivre².
Jessica Walter’s fans and colleagues also shared their appreciation and gratitude for her work and personality. Director Ron Howard, who narrated Arrested Development and produced the show, wrote: “She was a brilliant, funny, intelligent and strong woman.”[2] Actor Paul Feig wrote: “She was so funny and marched to the tune of her own drummer. A true original whom I had the honor of working with several times.”[2] Actress Viola Davis wrote: “I loved you Jessica Walter. I grew up watching you AND admiring you. Always consistently excellent. Rest well.”[2]
Jessica Walter’s cause of death may not have been revealed, but her legacy of joy and laughter will live on through her body of work and her fans. She was a remarkable actress who made a lasting impression on the world of comedy and entertainment. She will be dearly missed by many..