“It’s one banana, Michael. What could it cost? Ten dollars?”
If you have spent any time on Twitter in the past decade, it’s almost a certainty that you saw that quote fly by on your timeline. One of the most famous lines from the first season of Fox’s cult favorite series “Arrested Development” in 2003, it was delivered with hilarious precision by Emmy-winning actress Jessica Walter, whose take on Lucille Bluth — the clueless wealthy matriarch of an even more delusional family — made her a beloved figure to a new generation of fans.
So it’s no surprise that the quote started flooding social media Thursday after Deadline broke the news that Walters died Wednesday at 80. Her daughter, Fox Entertainment executive Brooke Bowman, told the outlet: “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of my beloved mom Jessica. A working actor for over six decades, her greatest pleasure was bringing joy to others through her storytelling both on screen and off. While her legacy will live on through her body of work, she will also be remembered by many for her wit, class and overall joie de vivre.”
The banana line took on even more meaning over the years whenever it was revealed that an out-of-touch millionaire had no idea how much money the average family needs (and it really lit up the Internet when $600 stimulus checks were revealed). But in general, Walter became an Internet GIF and meme sensation for her wide variety of delightfully haughty expressions coupled with pitch-perfect quotes that could often capture how you were feeling on any given day.
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She had a long list of acclaimed roles over the years: Walter earned Golden Globe nominations for “Grand Prix” in 1966 and “Play Misty for Me” in 1971, and won an Emmy for her starring role in the NBC police drama miniseries “Amy Prentiss” in 1975. She appeared in dozens more television shows and movies and also was a fan favorite in FX’s animated “Archer,” for which she voiced the lead character’s mother, Malory Archer. But Lucille Bluth struck a chord.
“Jessica Walter never missed,” tweeted “Arrested Development” executive producer John Levenstein. “If she didn’t get a laugh there was a problem with the script.”
Jessica Walter is one of the all time greatest comedic actors. So many lines only worked because of her inflection, the arc of her eyebrows. What a titanic talent. What a heart-rending loss.
— Robert Evans (The Only Robert Evans) (@IwriteOK) March 25, 2021RIP to Jessica Walter, an absolute legend. If I made a list of my 10 favorite line deliveries she'd be responsible for over half of them. Thanks for the laughs <3 pic.twitter.com/UGgBt5BO47
— Zach Kornfeld (@korndiddy) March 25, 2021RIP Jessica Walter. I don't know if any actor ever conveyed more with a wink. Her Lucille Bluth was the best satire of the smug rich ever done. Her voice all transatlantic arrogance, vodka delusion, and charming ignorance. The Motherboy episode alone, my god. A true comic genius. pic.twitter.com/nwMPzfbD6i
— Otto Von Biz Markie (@Passionweiss) March 25, 2021I 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, 2021More of Walter’s “Arrested Development” co-stars and producers also weighed in Thursday. David Cross called her “an absolutely brilliant actress and amazing talent,” and added that he considered himself “privileged and very lucky to have been able to work with her. Lucille Bluth is one of TV’s greatest characters.”
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Creator Mitch Hurwitz sent a statement to Variety, which read in part, “Jessica was one of the sharpest, funniest people I’ve ever worked with — and I’ve been incredibly fortunate in working with some true greats. She was, to me, the best kind of comic actor — one who’s fearless in her willingness to draw upon the, shall we say, less desirable aspects of our character that, well … make us funny.”
R. I. P. Jessica Walter. What an incredible career, filled with amazing performances. I will forever remember my time with her, watching her bring Lucille Bluth to life. She was one of a kind. All my love and thoughts to her family.
— Jason Bateman (@batemanjason) March 25, 2021OH NO ...We worked together for years on ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT ..It was an honor to watch her comedy explode from the very first row . https://t.co/edVRAPsKRk
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) March 25, 2021This is so incredibly sad. I loved Jessica so much. She was so funny and marched to the tune of her own drummer. A true original whom I had the honor of working with several times. So much love to you, Jessica. Rest In Peace. ❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/Sm0tqvE4Os
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) March 25, 2021Walter’s fellow stars on “Archer” weighed in as well. Creator Adam Reed said: “The 'Archer’ family is heartbroken to lose Jessica Walter, our beloved colleague and friend. Jessica was a consummate professional, an actor’s actor, and the exact opposite of Malory Archer — warm, caring, and kind, with an absolutely cracking sense of humor — and it was both a privilege and a true honor to work with her over these many years. She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.”
Jessica Walter was a queen in every way: kind, classy, incredibly talented, generous with love & support. And so insanely funny. She was the brilliant center of our @archerfxx universe. Sweet flight to you, dear Jessica. You were so loved, and we were so lucky to know you. 💔 pic.twitter.com/0fsXh6CwbS
— Aisha Tyler (@aishatyler) March 25, 2021Jessica Walter was an unparalleled talent. So funny. So insanely good in everything she was in. Wonderful to be around. I will miss her.
— h. jon benjamin (@HJBenjamin) March 25, 2021ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7uK3SoaCnn6Sku7G70q1lnKedZK6zwNJmnKeslafBorXNppynrF9nfXN9jmlqaGplZLemv9Kimpplp5a5tbHRZpuinaNis6K6jKucmpuknryvew%3D%3D