logo
Getty images
Getty images

'Beasts of the Southern Wild' Star Jonshel Alexander Killed at 22 Is Survived by 1-Year-Old Daughter

Esther NJeri
Dec 03, 2021
01:00 P.M.

The beloved ex-child actor, Jonshel Alexander, known for her role in "Beasts of the Southern Wild," has passed on. The mother of one was only 12 when she took on the supporting role in the Oscar-nominated drama film.

Advertisement

Jonshel Alexander, 22, met her fateful end last Saturday when an assailant opened fire at them, then fled. She was in the company of a male friend inside a car in the 1500 block of North Claiborne Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Alexander had already lost her life by the time the paramedics arrived at the scene. Her male companion, though wounded, had driven himself to hospital for treatment.

Actresses Jonshel Alexander and Quvenzhane Wallis on the dance floor at Fox Searchlight Pictures Presents "Beasts of the Southern Wild" After Party on June 25, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana | Getty Images

Actresses Jonshel Alexander and Quvenzhane Wallis on the dance floor at Fox Searchlight Pictures Presents "Beasts of the Southern Wild" After Party on June 25, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana | Getty Images

According to DailyMail, the police suspect that Alexander might not have been the target of the shooting. They released photos of the suspect in a blue ski mask.

He was standing beside a maroon pickup truck. The authorities later found the vehicle torched miles away from the crime scene.

Advertisement

ALEXANDER CAST AS JOY STRONG

At only 12 years old, Alexander was determined to be on the cast of the "Beasts of the Southern Wild." The director, Behn Zeitlin, was looking for Louisiana natives to play the lead roles, and Alexander fit the bill perfectly.

Actresses Jonshel Alexander and Quvenzhane Wallis on the dance floor at Fox Searchlight Pictures Presents "Beasts of the Southern Wild" After Party on June 25, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana | Getty Images

Actresses Jonshel Alexander and Quvenzhane Wallis on the dance floor at Fox Searchlight Pictures Presents "Beasts of the Southern Wild" After Party on June 25, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana | Getty Images

She beat over 4,000 other contestants to land one of the several primary roles. Her mother, Shelly Alexander, says her daughter captivated the filmmakers and landed the role fair and square.

Fascinated by the 12-year-old, Zeitlin described her as an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind, and force-of-nature. She was too old to play the lead role "Hushpuppy," so she got the supporting role as Joy Strong.

Advertisement

The drama film chronicled around and told the story of a poverty-stricken bayou community that struggled to survive. The film bagged the Grand Jury Prixe and got nominated for four Academy Awards.

LIFE AFTER "BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD"

Despite the success of her first film, Alexander had no desire to pursue a career in film further. She enrolled in Martin Luther King Jr Charter School, graduating in 2017. In 2020, she became a mother to daughter, De-vynne Robinson.

Advertisement

After graduating high school, she began working as a restaurant hostess and dedicated her life to being a wonderful mother to her baby girl.

The youngest of three children, Alexander was a bright burning light, and everyone seemed to love her. Zeitlin was devastated by the news of Alexander's demise but has since been in touch with the family.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
info

news.AmoMama.com does not support or promote any kind of violence, self-harm, or abusive behavior. We raise awareness about these issues to help potential victims seek professional counseling and prevent anyone from getting hurt. news.AmoMama.com speaks out against the above mentioned and news.AmoMama.com advocates for a healthy discussion about the instances of violence, abuse, sexual misconduct, animal cruelty, abuse etc. that benefits the victims. We also encourage everyone to report any crime incident they witness as soon as possible.

Related posts

Erdenetuya Batsukh Starred in 'General Commander' – Meet Steven Seagal's Wife

November 11, 2023

How This Boy Skyrocketed from Living in 13 Different Foster Homes in 7 Years to First Oscar Nomination

January 22, 2024

Emily Blunt & John Krasinski Made the ‘Perfect Couple’ despite Her Years-Long Struggle with a Disability

February 27, 2024

Lisa-Marie Presley's Daughter Stuns with Dark Brown Hair: 'Looks So Much like Her Mom, OMG'

November 10, 2023

How Melanie Griffith Would Look Today If She Never Underwent Plastic Surgery: Photos via AI

December 14, 2023

Father of 6 Adopted Kids Dies at 39 While Going to Work after Holidays — Tragic Details

January 03, 2024

Diane Addonizio Became Howie Long's Wife in 1982 & Is a Mother of 3

January 11, 2024

Kacey Alexander Gaulden: He is Jania Meshell & YoungBoy NeverBrokeAgain's Only Son

November 26, 2023

5 Celebrities Who’ve Raised Twins – Photos of These Children from Their Public Appearances

March 08, 2024

5 Celebrities Who’ve Raised Twins – Photos of These Children from Their Public Appearances

March 08, 2024

5 Celebrities Who’ve Raised Twins – Photos of These Children from Their Public Appearances

March 07, 2024

5 Celebrities Who’ve Raised Twins – Photos of These Children from Their Public Appearances

March 07, 2024

5 Celebrities Who’ve Raised Twins – Photos of These Children from Their Public Appearances

March 07, 2024

This Horse Trainer Is a Child Star’s Spouse: He Took Care of Her for 25 Years, despite Being Unable to Eat & Speak

February 11, 2024