Valerie Perrine, born Valerie Ritchie Perrine on September 3, 1943, in Galveston, Texas, is a retired American actress known for her versatile roles in film and television. Her father, Kenneth Perrine, was a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, and her mother, Winifred "Renee" (nee McGinley), was a dancer. Due to her father's military career, she lived in various locations during her childhood, including Japan and Arizona.

Before her acting career took off, she worked as a showgirl at the Lido de Paris in Las Vegas. She made her film debut in the 1972 adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut's "Slaughterhouse-Five," where she played the role of Montana Wildhack.

Her breakthrough came with the 1974 film "Lenny," where she portrayed Honey Bruce, the wife of comedian Lenny Bruce. For this role, she won the BAFTA Award for Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles, the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress, and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Her career continued to flourish with roles in notable films such as "Superman" (1978), where she played Miss Eve Teschmacher, and "The Electric Horseman" (1979), where she portrayed Charlotta Steele. She reprised her role as Miss Teschmacher in "Superman II" (1980).

Despite her success, she faced some challenges, including a nomination for a Razzie Award for Worst Actress for her role in "Can't Stop the Music" (1980).

Valerie Perrine was also known for her boldness and willingness to push boundaries, becoming the first actress to appear nude on American network television during a 1973 PBS broadcast of "Steambath".

Her lifestyle was marked by her openness and her willingness to take on diverse and challenging roles. Valerie Perrine never married, although she had several relationships throughout her life.

In her later years, she faced health challenges, including Parkinson's Disease, for which she underwent unsuccessful brain surgery in 2017.