Paula Shaw Dead: Beloved Actress and Horror Icon Dies Aged 84
The entertainment world has been left in mourning after it was verified that Paula Shaw, the cherished actress and star of Freddy vs. Jason, has passed away at the age of 84.
Shaw, whose acting career spanned further than six decades, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her Vancouver home after a prolonged illness. The news was published by her factory, The MAX, with Paula Shaw, on its sanctioned website.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce Paula passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025 morning at 9:00 am.
Paula touched countless lives through The MAX, the Mastery, and her transformational work,” the statement read. “Her legacy lives on in the communities she created and the lives she changed.”
Paula Shaw was far more than a face on the screen. She left an indelible mark across film, television, and beyond.
She was a lifelong member of the Actors’ Studio and made a name for herself with roles in both classic and cult films.
In the 1970s, she appeared in addict-favourite television series such as The Bob Newhart Show, Starsky & Hutch, Barney Miller, Three’s Company, Lou Grant, and Ironside.
Decades later, she remained a steady presence with appearances in 21 Jump Street, The X-Files, The Commish, Terminal City, Supernatural, and Van Helsing.
Her advance on the big screen came in 1982 when she starred alongside Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds in The Stylish Little Cattlehouse in Texas.
Shaw played Wulla Jean, the original proprietor of the Chicken Ranch, leaving cult charmed by her warm yet spirited depiction.
In 2002, she took on a more dimmed part as a coroner in Christopher Nolan’s Insomnia, sharing the screen with Al Pacino.
Yet, it was her intimidating turn in Freddy vs. Jason( 2003) as Jason Voorhees’ mama, Pamela Voorhees, that ever etched her into horror film history.
Shaw’s legacy is one shared with other Hollywood greats. Much like legendary actors such as Robert Redford, who left an enduring mark both on and off screen, Paula’s work transcended entertainment.
Paula’s presence was felt explosively in family flicks and vacation favourites. She came a cherished face in Hallmark’s gleeful lineup, with appearances in Hanukkah on Rye, Hitched for the Leaves, Picture a Perfect Christmas, A Mrs. Miracle Christmas, and Round and Round.
In 2013, she starred as Charlotte Jeffers in Cedar Cove, playing the onscreen mama to Andie MacDowell’s character.
Her co-stars remember her fondly. Julie Sherman Wolfe, a fellow Hallmark star, paid tribute on Instagram: “So sad to hear about Paula Shaw’s passing.
We often chatted on FaceTime after she filmed Hanukkah on Rye, mostly about our shared heritage (and trying to figure out if we were related!) We never found out, but it didn’t matter.
She will always be one of my honorary bubbies.”
News of Paula’s passing spread rapidly, prompting an outpouring of grief from fans across social media platforms. One admirer wrote: “I just found out that Paula Shaw has passed. A few days ago, I believe. I’m SO sad…I absolutely loved her in all her movies.”
Another added, “This is so sad. Paula was a great actress. Picture a Perfect Christmas was one of the best. May she rest in peace.”
Others echoed similar sentiments: “I loved her in all the Hallmark movies she played in, what a loss to Hallmark. Prayers to her entire family and may she rest in peace.”
“Aww, I’m so sorry to hear this. She was so loved in all her movies. Prayers for the family and all friends.”
“Absolutely loved her in anything she was in. A great actress. Drama. Comedy.
She was great at it all. Will sadly miss her and please replay all her movies. Rest in peace, Paula. What a gem! Condolences to her family.”
“Aww, so sad. May she Rest In Peace. Loved her in all the movies she was in. She was a classic lady.”
OFFICIAL: Paula Shaw, Mrs. Voorhees in ‘Freddy vs Jason’, has passed away at 84! ️
The actress also has credits in other horror films such as ‘Savage Streets’ (1984), ‘Witchfire’ (1985), ‘Night Creep’ (2003), ‘Chupacabra Terror’ (2005) and ‘The Haunting Hour’ (2012) pic.twitter.com/OMuPmXRDBc
— Austin stone cold (@Austinston53720) September 16, 2025
Paula Shaw’s donation to the world of cinema, TV, and particular development through her shops will be remembered for times to come.
Her influence extended far beyond her screen presence; she inspired, guided, and uplifted those around her.
Though she’s no longer with us, Paula Shaw’s work remains a testament to her gift and compassion. Her heritage will endure in the hearts of suckers and fellow actors likewise.
