Jessica Walter of “Archer” and “Arrested Development,” dead at 80
March 25, 2021 Andrew Buss Features, In Memoriam, News
Jessica Walter, who is best known to comedy fans for her work on Archer and of course as Lucille Bluth on Arrested Development, died in her sleep yesterday at the age of 80. Her death comes just days after one of her frequent co-stars, George Segal’s passing.
Beyond those two projects, however, Walter had done so much more throughout her long career. Walter had appeared in films such as Lilith, The Group, Grand Prix, Bye Bye Braverman, Number One, Play Misty For Me, Going Ape!, The Flamingo Kid, Tapeheads, PCU, Unaccompanied Minors, and last year’s The Mimic.
On television, Walter became a go-to character actress. In addition to Arrested Development and Archer, her TV work includes The Fugitive, Mannix, Mission: Impossible, Columbo, Hawaii Five-O, Ironside, McMillan and Wife, Joanie Loves Chaci, Magnum P.I., Murder, She Wrote, Law & Order, Just Shoot Me, The Magic School Bus, Rules of Engagement, The Big Bang Theory, The Odd Couple, Retired At 35, and At Home with Amy Sedaris. 90’s kids may also recognize her voice as Fran Sinclair from the cult series Dinosaurs.
From 1983 until his death in 2019, Walter was married to fellow actor Ron Leibman. They worked opposite each other numerous times over their respective careers, including playing husband and wife on Archer from 2013 until 2016.
Check out some highlights.