Jessica Walter died Wednesday at age 80 and while her six-decade acting career spanned film, theater and television, she is perhaps best known as Lucille Bluth, the martini-swilling matriarch in the beloved sitcom “Arrested Development.”
Known for her cutting zingers, unapologetic elitism and perfectly coiffed bob, Lucille was an inspired comedic creation — a boozy ice queen who didn’t even pretend to love her children equally and had no idea what a banana might cost, thank you very much. She was the most put-together member of the dysfunctional Bluth family, but also its most outrageously funny.
For five seasons spanning 16 years, Walter held her own among a star-studded ensemble cast that included fellow comedy heavyweights Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, Portia de Rossi, Michael Cera, Alia Shawkat, David Cross and Tony Hale.
But thanks to Walter’s gifts as a performer and rare ability to say it all with a single arched eyebrow, it was Lucille who became an enduring presence on social media.
In the final years of her life, the Emmy-winning Walter was an iconic GIF presence on Instagram, Twitter and beyond. Honestly, all we have to say is, “Good for her.”
Check out some of Walter’s greatest meme moments from “Arrested Development” below and see which one suits your mood. (We’re every searing side-eye.)
I loved Jessica Walter. For me, knowing her mostly from dramatic work in films like ‘Play Misty For Me’ just made the comic genius of her turn in ‘Arrested Development’ even more delightful. You can watch her reactions shots on a loop. Lucille Bluth Forever. pic.twitter.com/hwBLDyJBET
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) March 25, 2021
No one delivered an insult like Jessica Walter, who in real life was one of the kindest people I ever had the privilege of meeting
RIP to a true legend pic.twitter.com/AeHx62lJyB
— Jarett Wieselman (@JarettSays) March 25, 2021
RIP to Jessica Walter. She was such a legend. Arrested Development and Archer will always be some of my favorites. You will be missed❤️ pic.twitter.com/SfdheU3MFt
— Liyah? (@liy3_) March 25, 2021
RIP Jessica Walter, who was warm and kind and basically the complete opposite of her brilliant Arrested Development character. She was a talented actress in that role and many others. She gave the best side eye ever. She will be missed. pic.twitter.com/3AopttXHAY
— Trinity Always Saves Her Receipts (@TrinityMustache) March 25, 2021
Jessica Walter served as VP of SAG and was on the SAG board of directors. Godspeed, comrade. pic.twitter.com/uH4TaHmk9B
— Taylor “March 1990 Student of the Month” Kelley (@archivesdork) March 25, 2021
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