Walter’s career began in 1960 with a role on the show Diagnosis: Unknown. One of her first recurring parts in a TV series was on the soap opera Love of Life. Other notable appearances included parts in the 1971 Clint Eastwood–directed Play Misty for Me and the 1966 John Frankenheimer racing drama Grand Prix. Walter’s career spanned decades with her most recent role being on the TV show American Housewife. Throughout her career she was nominated for two Golden Globes and four Emmy Awards. She won the 1974 Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a limited series for playing the title character in Amy Prentiss.
In a statement to Deadline, Walter’s daughter, Brooke Bowman, eulogized the actress. “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,” she said.
Many fans shared their favorite memories of Walter to commemorate the actress, with so many sharing pictures and clips from Arrested Development and a few from Archer.
A number of stars from film and TV also offered condolences to Walter. Director Edgar Wright praised her versatility to be able to perform dramatically and humorously with such skill. Director Paul Feig also said that it was an honor to work with the actress on a number of occasions.
Walter’s Arrested Development co-stars including David Cross and Tony Hale also tweeted about her loss. Producer John Levenstein also praised her comedic abilities, saying “If she didn’t get a laugh there was a problem with the script.”
New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman tweeted about a time that she had changed her avatar on Twitter to Lucille, but Walter asked her to change it. In a reply, she wrote that Walter “could not have been funnier or lovelier about it,” and the two made plans to have lunch together.
Rex Chapman celebrated the actress by sharing a clip where she spoke about two of her favorite moments as Lucille on Arrested Development. One was when the character Buster stole Lucille’s “rape horn,” and the other was when Lucille was sad and said, “I want to cry so bad, but I don’t think I can spare the moisture.” Chapman also shared a video compiling some of Walter’s most hilarious moments on the show.
