Remembering Paula Shaw: The Beloved Hallmark Star Who 'Touched Countless Lives'

Legendary Actress Paula Shaw Leaves Behind a Legacy of Love and Laughter

In a shocking turn of events, beloved Hallmark movie star Paula Shaw has passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind a trail of tears and tributes from fans and colleagues alike. The news of her passing was announced on the website for her long-running workshop, The Max, which she founded over three decades ago.

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce Paula's peaceful passing on Wednesday, September 10, 2025," read the statement on The Max website. "Paula touched countless lives through her transformative work and the communities she created. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she inspired."

But who was this talented actress, who stole the hearts of audiences with her loving grandma roles? Let's take a journey through her fascinating life and career.

Born to a family of performers (no wonder she had the acting bug!), Paula Shaw began her Hollywood journey when she moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s. She landed her first role in the West Coast premiere of Gus Weill's play "Geese" and soon caught the attention of the legendary Lee Strasberg, who invited her to join The Actors Studio.

As her career took off, Shaw became a member of the improv troupe Synergy Trust, where she honed her skills alongside other talented actors. She started booking steady television work in the 1970s, with guest appearances on popular shows like "The Bob Newhart Show," "Starsky & Hutch," and "Barney Miller."

But it was her supporting role as Wulla Jean in the musical comedy "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" (1982) that showcased her impressive range. Starring alongside Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton, Shaw's performance earned her rave reviews.

In the 2000s, Shaw's screen credits included playing a coroner in Christopher Nolan's psychological thriller "Insomnia" (2002) and Pamela Voorhees - the mother of Jason - in the horror classic "Freddy vs. Jason" (2003). Who knew this grandmotherly figure had a darker side?

As she transitioned to television, Shaw starred as Mrs. Byrne on the Canadian sitcom "Mr. Young" from 2011 to 2013. But it was her work with Hallmark that earned her a special place in the hearts of fans.

Shaw's first Hallmark movie was "Hitched for the Holidays" (2012), but it was her role as the loving mother in "Cedar Cove" (2013) that cemented her status as a fan favorite. She went on to star in numerous Hallmark movies, including "Coming Home for Christmas" (2017), "Wedding of a Lifetime" (2022), and her final project, "Round and Round" (2023).

One of Shaw's most memorable performances was in "It Was Always You" (2021), where she played Grandma Vivian. Who could forget the iconic scene where she imparted her wisdom to Erin Krakow's character, saying that true love would be felt when one experiences a 'zing'?

But Paula Shaw's impact went far beyond the screen. As a teacher and mentor, she built a parallel legacy through her work at The Max, a self-expression course she taught for over three decades at California's Esalen Institute.

"PAULA SHAW taught THE MAX workshops at Esalen Institute for over 32 years," wrote the organization on Instagram. "A professional actor and former EST trainer, she developed this self-expression course, which became a rite of passage for Esalen staff and seminarians... until today maintains a reputation as one of Esalen's most edgy offerings."

As news of her passing spread, Hallmark screenwriter Julie Sherman Wolfe took to Instagram Stories to pay tribute to Shaw. "So sad to hear about Paula Shaw's passing," wrote Wolfe. "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."

The scholarlynote.com reports that Shaw's passing has left the entertainment industry in shock. As fans and colleagues come together to celebrate her life and legacy, one thing is clear: Paula Shaw will be deeply missed.

In a poignant tribute, The Max website shared a heartfelt message: "Paula's passing leaves a void in our lives, but her impact on us and countless others will continue to inspire us for generations to come."

Rest in peace, Paula Shaw. Your 'zing' may have faded, but your legacy will live on forever.