Brenda Deiss passes away: Red Rocket star dies, aged 60

Brenda Deiss, star of the new movieRed rocketpassed away, at the age of 60.

The news has been confirmed by the film’s director, Sean Baker, who wrote on Twitter on Wednesday (February 16): “I have some very sad news to report. Brenda Deiss, who plays Lil in Red rocketpassed away on Monday after suffering a stroke. ”

Deiss is a former NASA secretary who made his film debut in the series, which is slated to open in the UK on March 11.

She was cast in the film by Baker, whose previous credits include Tangerine and Florida Project. The director often invited people he met in public, and he met Deiss while scouting locations for the film in Texas City.

“During the short time we were together, she joined us in creating, laughing with us, and sharing her stories with us, some of which were heartbreaking and others heartbreaking. profoundly different and fascinating,” says Baker, adding: “We all have people who change our lives for the better and Brenda is one of those people for me. I will miss her dearly.”

Bree Elrod, who plays Deiss’ on-screen daughter, added: “We’ve shared so many memorable moments together on and off screen. I will never forget her laughter, the stories she so generously shared, and the many conversations we had about every aspect of our lives. She holds a very special place in my heart. I will miss her very much tonight.”

Red rocket was shot during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, and premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival. The film was released in the US in December.

As well as NASA secretary, Deiss, who never got to see the finished film, worked as a caregiver and health supporter at home. In her spare time, she has hobbies related to arts and crafts.

Deiss is survived by her daughter, Destani Deiss, as well as her two best friends, Johnny Cortez and Karen Adams. Deiss ‘memory donations’ can be made to Christus Our Daily Bread.