Beatrice Vivian "Besedka" Johnson (née Divic; October 5, 1925 – April 4, 2013) was an American actress who garnered acclaim at the age of 85 in the drama film Starlet (2012), her only role.
Early life Johnson was born Beatrice Vivian Divic in Detroit on October 5, 1925, one of two children of Milan and Frances Divic. She moved to Southern California with her family as a teenager.
Career Johnson worked briefly as a model. In the 1960s, she took on the nickname "Besedka" after a dress shop that she owned and operated in the San Fernando Valley. She later opened another Besedka dress store on Riverside Drive in North Hollywood, which closed in 1981. She then managed a condo in San Francisco for a time before returning to Los Angeles.
In 2011, Johnson had knee surgery; as part of her rehabilitation, she started swimming at a YMCA, where she was scouted at the age of 85 by a film producer seeking an older woman for a role in a movie. She was cast in a starring role in Sean Baker's drama film Starlet (2012), which would become her first and only role, and earned critical praise and awards for her performance.
Personal life At an unknown date, Divic married a painter whose surname was Johnson and took his surname. They had three sons named James, Marc, and Lloyd before getting divorced. She later married and divorced a second time.
Death On April 4, 2013, at the age of 87, Johnson died from complications following surgery for a bacterial infection at Glendale Memorial Hospital in Glendale, California. She was survived by her three sons and two grandchildren.
Filmography Year Title Role 2012 Starlet Sadie
Accolades Year Award Category Work Result 2012 South by Southwest Film Festival Special Jury AwardStarlet 2013 Independent Spirit Robert Altman Award Best Ensemble Cast
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