Paula Shaw, the actress known for her work in Freddy vs. Jason and a number of Hallmark Channel movies, has died at the age of 84.
Her passing was confirmed by The Max, a personal development workshop where Shaw taught for more than three decades, according to the New York Post.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Paula passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.,” read a statement posted on The Max’s website.
“Paula touched countless lives through The MAX, the Mastery, and her transformational work,” the statement added. “Her legacy lives on in the communities she created and the lives she changed.”
Paula Shaw was a versatile Canadian actress whose career spanned film, television, and theater. Born on July 17, 1941, in West Vancouver, British Columbia, she developed an early love for performing arts that led her into a lifelong career in entertainment.
Shaw became widely recognized for her role as Mrs. Voorhees in the 2003 horror crossover Freddy vs. Jason. Her performance connected her to the iconic Friday the 13th franchise, earning her a place in horror film history. Beyond her work in horror, she built a steady presence in television movies, especially through her many appearances in Hallmark Channel productions. Known for portraying warm, maternal, and heartfelt characters, Shaw became a familiar face to audiences who turned to Hallmark films for comfort and family-centered storytelling.
Her television credits included guest roles on series such as The X-Files, The Outer Limits, and Supernatural, where her ability to adapt to both dramatic and supernatural themes made her a reliable character actress. She also appeared in feature films like Life (1999) and A Guy Thing (2003), showcasing her range in both serious and lighthearted roles.