‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’ Child Star Jonshel Alexander Dead at 22 – NBC 7 San Diego

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An “absolutely unique” former child actress died prematurely.

Jonshel Alexander, who made her acting debut in the critically acclaimed 2012 drama “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” has died. Jonshel and an unnamed man were reportedly shot dead in a vehicle in New Orleans on Saturday, November 27, according to the Associated Press (via NBC News). According to the report, citing police, the former child star was pronounced dead at the scene when the man drove to a hospital. Jonshel was 22 years old.

Almost a decade earlier, the New Orleans native was cast as Joy Strong in the Louisiana film. Jonshel was around 12 years old at the time.

On December 1, Quvenzhan Wallis, who starred in Hushpuppy, honored her former co-star with a tribute on social media. “When we were filming we were always together and I wish I could go back in time so I could see you again,” she tweeted. “I love you. You will be missed by so many. #Jonshel #gonetoosoon #prayersgoingup.”

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The film’s director, Benh Zeitlin, described the late actress as an “absolutely unique, unforgettable force of nature”, according to AP. “We put a part into the film that was very inspired by her. Many of the lines were written by her, and so much of the character emerged from Jonshel. Her character in the film is called Joy Strong, which always seemed like a perfect description of Jonshel. She was a really bright burning light. “

Jonshel leaves behind her family, including her mother Shelly Alexander and her one-year-old daughter De-vynne Robinson. “She brought everything to life,” Shelly said, according to The Times-Picayune / The New Orleans Advocate. “Jonshel was spirited, jazzy, spoiled. It was her way or not.”

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