For many Hallmark fans, Paula Shaw was the warm, witty grandmother who brought comfort and charm to every movie she appeared in.
Sadly, the actress has passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind a remarkable career that stretched far beyond the small screen.
A Peaceful Goodbye
Her passing was confirmed on the official site of The Max, the transformational workshop she founded.
The heartfelt statement shared that Paula “passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 9:00 am.”
The tribute also emphasized how she touched countless lives through her teaching, her creativity, and the communities she nurtured.
From Stage to Hollywood
Paula’s journey in entertainment began when she made the bold move to Los Angeles, where she landed a role in the West Coast premiere of Gus Weill’s Geese.
That performance caught the eye of the legendary Lee Strasberg, who welcomed her into The Actors Studio — a huge milestone for any actor.
Building a Television Career
By the 1970s, Paula was deeply involved in the improv troupe Synergy Trust and started securing guest roles on hit shows.
Audiences may remember her appearances on The Bob Newhart Show, Starsky & Hutch, Barney Miller, Three’s Company, Lou Grant, and Ironside.
A Breakthrough in Film
Her big-screen breakthrough came in 1982 when she played Wulla Jean in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, acting alongside Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton.
She continued to land diverse roles, including a coroner in Christopher Nolan’s Insomnia (2002) and Pamela Voorhees in Freddy vs. Jason (2003), stepping into the shoes of the iconic horror character’s mother.
Returning to Television
From 2011 to 2013, Paula appeared as Mrs. Byrne on the Canadian sitcom Mr. Young.
But it was her collaboration with Hallmark that truly solidified her place in fans’ hearts.
A Hallmark Favorite
Paula first appeared on Hallmark in the 2012 movie Hitched for the Holidays and later joined the series Cedar Cove as the mother of Andie MacDowell’s character.
Over the years, she became known for her grandmotherly roles in beloved movies such as Coming Home for Christmas (2017), Wedding of a Lifetime (2022), and her final project, Round and Round (2023).
A Fan-Favorite Grandma
Perhaps one of her most unforgettable Hallmark moments came in It Was Always You (2021).
As Grandma Vivian, she delivered the touching line to Erin Krakow’s character that true love would come with a “zing” — a line that has since become a fan-favorite quote among viewers.
More Than an Actress
Outside of Hollywood, Paula was just as influential.
She spent over 30 years teaching The Max, her self-expression workshop at California’s Esalen Institute.
Known for its intensity and creativity, the course became a rite of passage for many who attended, shaping lives just as deeply as her on-screen performances.
Fond Farewells
Following her passing, Hallmark writer Julie Sherman Wolfe shared a touching tribute, recalling their FaceTime chats after Paula filmed Hanukkah on Rye.
Wolfe remembered their lighthearted conversations about heritage and how Paula became like an “honorary bubbie” to her.
A Lasting Legacy
Paula Shaw leaves behind not only a film and television career spanning decades but also a reputation as a teacher, mentor, and beloved on-screen grandmother.
For Hallmark fans and students of The Max, her warmth, humor, and wisdom will continue to live on.