Paula Shaw, Hallmark star, Freddy vs. Jason actress, dies at 84

Paula Shaw, the actress best known for her roles in “Freddy vs. Jason” and multiple Hallmark Channel movies, has died. She was 84.

Shaw’s passing was announced by The Max, a personal development workshop that she taught for over 30 years.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce Paula passed away peacefully on Wednesday Sept. 10, 2025 morning at 9:00 am,” read a statement on The Max’s website.

“Paula touched countless lives through The MAX, the Mastery, and her transformational work,” the statement continued. “Her legacy lives on in the communities she created and the lives she changed.”

The Esalen Institute, where Shaw taught The Max, posted a tribute to the late actress on Instagram.

“PAULA SHAW taught THE MAX workshops at Esalen Institute for over 32 years,” the tribute read. “A professional actor and former EST (Erhard Seminars Training) trainer, she developed this self-expression course, which became a rite of passage for Esalen staff and seminarians, and until today maintains a reputation as one of Esalen’s most edgy offerings.”

Shaw was also remembered by fellow Hallmark star Julie Sherman Wolfe.

“So sad to hear about Paula Shaw’s passing,” Wolfe wrote on her Instagram Stories. “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,” Wolfe added. “She will always be one of my honorary bubbies.”

Shaw was born July 17, 1941 in New York City. Her career in Hollywood began after she moved to Los Angeles to star in Gus Weill’s play “Geese.”

After becoming a member of the Actors Studio, Shaw appeared on television show including “The Bob Newhart Show,” “Three’s Company, “Lou Grant,” “Ironside” and “Barney Miller.”

In 1982, she starred in the musical comedy film “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” alongside Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton.

Come the 2000s, Shaw landed roles in “Reindeer Games” starring Ben Affleck and Charlize Theron, and “Insomnia” starring Al Pacino, Robin Williams and Hilary Swank.

Shaw memorably starred in the 2003 slasher film “Freddy vs. Jason” as Pamela Voorhees. She replaced Betsy Palmer in the iconic role.

From 2011 to 2013, she appeared in the Canadian sitcom “Mr. Young” as Mrs. Byrne.

Her Hallmark career began on the first season of “Cedar Cove” in 2013. She played Charlotte Jeffers, the onscreen mother of Andie MacDowell’s character.

Shaw went on to star in numerous Hallmark Channel holiday movies, including “Five Star Christmas,” “It Was Always You,” “Debbie Macomber’s A Mrs. Miracle Christmas,” “Hanukkah on Rye” and “Round and Round.”