Stella Stevens, star of ‘The Nutty Professor,’ ‘Poseidon Adventure, dies at 84

Actress Stella Steven appears at a Sterns Department Store in New York on Jan. 8, 1968. Stevens, a prominent leading lady in 1960s and ‘70s died Friday. She was 84. (AP)

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.