Stella Stevens, Star of ‘The Nutty Professor,’ Is Dead at 84

Actress Stella Stevens appears in-store at Rocket Video to sign copies of the DVD "The Nutty Professor" in Hollywood, Calif., on Oct. 18, 2004. Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

Stella Stevens, a prominent leading lady in 1960s and 70s comedies perhaps best known for playing the object of Jerry Lewis’s affection in “The Nutty Professor,” has died. She was 84.

Stevens’ estate said she died Friday in Los Angeles after a long illness.