Besedka-Johnson-Obituary

Besedka Johnson

Obituary

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Besedka Johnson, who became an actress at age 85 and won praise for last year's movie "Starlet," has died. She was 87.

Johnson died on April 4 at Glendale Memorial Hospital of complications following surgery for a bacterial infection, her son, Jim Johnson, told the Los Angeles Times (http://lat.ms/Z7qH66 ).

Besedka Johnson played the cranky widow Sadie, who befriends Dree Hemingway in last year's movie. It was her only role.

"Besedka showed that no age is too old to do what you dream. I loved her dearly," Hemingway said in a statement.

Johnson got the part when an executive producer for the movie saw her in the locker room at a YMCA gym in Los Angeles and asked her to audition.

"I thought it has got to be a great big joke," Besedka Johnson later said, but "when you're this old, it's like let's just go along with it and see what happens."

"We were all incredibly lucky to have found her," ''Starlet" director Sean Baker told The Times on Tuesday. "She was absolutely wonderful, breathtaking in the film."

The character's crustiness was worlds apart from Johnson's sweet nature.

After an abrasive scene, Johnson "would turn to Dree and apologize for the way she was acting," Baker said. "It was so sweet."

Beatrice Vivian Divic was born in Detroit but moved to Los Angeles as a teenager to pursue a modeling career. In the 1960s, she began using Besedka as her first name, taking the name of a dress shop she owned. In her 30s, she took acting lessons for fun but said she never expected to get a professional job.

In addition to son Jim Johnson, she is survived by sons Marc Johnson and Lloyd Johnson, and two granddaughters.

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Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com


Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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May the god of comfort be a source of strength for your family at this difficult time. 2Corn 1:3, 4. Deepest Sympathy, Sue, Concord, NC

so sorry for the loss of your loved one.Let God Almighty be your comforter at this time.He will soothe your heart and bind up your wounds,He cares for you.~~~~~n.c.

This angel is an inspiration to all in this world who think that old age limits ones capacity to make dreams come true. To all who loved her may you find comfort in knowing that she made a difference in the world.

My sincere condolence for the loss of Besedka your dear loved one. May your fond thoughts of her bring back good memories. Peace and love to family and friends, and to the spirit that you all show. [email protected]

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your dear one. May the memory of her performance bring a smile when you think of the joy she brought others in her performance.

May you find comfort in the Hearer of prayer at this time. Psalm 65:2

With deepest sympathy to family and friends and may you find comfort in Gods inspired word the Bible (1 Timothy 3:16).