Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Kim Marie Johnson dies
Actress Kim Marie Johnson, known for her appearance in Beverly Hills, 90210, has died at the age of 53 after suffering a medical emergency at her Los Angeles home, according to her family.
Johnson died on November 4 after doctors diagnosed her with a “heart aneurysm condition” following an emergency on October 27. Her niece, Rhonda Scott, told TMZ that Johnson was taken to Cedars-Sinai Hospital after the heart-related incident and died peacefully on Wednesday afternoon.
In a statement to People, Scott said her aunt “radiated a light so strong and bright”, adding that the family would continue to honour her life.
From Pittsburgh to Hollywood
Born Kim Marie Johnson in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she was the youngest child of Edward Frank Johnson and Caroline Ella Johnson. She grew up in Wilkinsburg and studied elementary education and child psychology at California University of Pennsylvania before moving to New York City.
After college, Johnson worked as an international flight attendant, during which she was signed as a model.
She also pursued beauty pageants, winning the Miss Pennsylvania USA title in 1993 and reaching the finals of the Miss USA competition.
Television and film career
Johnson made her television debut in 1993 with an appearance in an episode of Beverly Hills, 90210.
She later appeared in the television series V.I.P. and films including Dude, Where’s My Car?, Legacy and The Summer of Massacre.
Her other acting credits included independent films such as Break A Leg, Gang Warz, Spanish Fly and Shadow Fury. Her final acting appearance was in a 2017 episode of Tucker’s War.
Career beyond acting
After the birth of her son in 2003, Johnson took a break from acting for several years. She later returned to performing and appeared in several leading stage roles between 2007 and 2010, including an adaptation of A Christmas Carol.
In 2011, she founded the skincare company SkinGlow by Kimmarie, which she continued to operate until her death.
One of her final public appearances was at the Los Angeles premiere of Michael earlier this year.
Johnson is survived by her 23-year-old son, Cameron.