For fans of Beverly Hills, 90210, even the smallest familiar face can bring back memories of a show that defined an entire generation.
Now, sad news has emerged about one of the actresses who appeared in the beloved series.
Kimmarie Johnson, who also made a name for herself in the world of beauty pageants and modeling, has died at just 50.
Starring as Judy in Beverly Hills, 90210
Her life took her from the Miss USA stage to Hollywood, where she landed a role in the hit teen drama. And behind her career was a woman whose warmth and positive energy left a lasting impression on those who knew her.
Johnson died Wednesday after experiencing a “heart event” at her Los Angeles home on October 27, her niece Rhonda Scott told People.
She was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she was diagnosed with a “heart aneurysm condition.”
“She radiated a light so strong and bright,” Scott said. “People who came in contact with her felt nothing but positive energy. We will miss her tremendously and will continue to honor her life forever.”
Johnson appeared in a 1998 episode of Beverly Hills, 90210, playing a character named Judy. For viewers who remember the series, her appearance remains part of the show’s long Hollywood legacy.
But her journey to television had started several years earlier.
Historic victory
In 1992, Johnson entered the Miss Pennsylvania USA pageant and, despite having no previous experience as a beauty queen and competing against 92 other women, walked away with the crown.
Having entered just one day before the deadline, Johnson never imagined she would actually be selected for the competition, let alone walk away with the crown. Her victory also made history, as she became the first African American woman to win the prestigious title.
“I didn’t think I was ever going to win. Even right now, it’s hard for me to believe I won. I just entered because I thought it would be something nice to do,” Kimmarie told the New Pittsburgh Courier.
The victory earned her a place in the 1993 Miss USA competition, where she finished among the top six.
She moved to Los Angeles in 1996, continuing to model while pursuing opportunities in acting. Her first acting credit came in 1998 in Troy Byer’s drama Let’s Talk About Sex.
She later appeared in films and television projects including Dude, Where’s My Car?, Shadow Fury, Wanda at Large, Break a Leg and Tucker War’s.
In 2003, Johnson welcomed her son, Cameron Nino, and stepped away from acting for a time to focus on motherhood. She also took classes at The Groundlings during that period.
Now, those who knew her are remembering not just the actress and model, but a woman whose bright personality made a lasting impression.
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