Actress and model Kimmarie Johnson, best known for her appearances in “Beverly Hills, 90210” and the 2000 comedy film “Dude, Where’s My Car?,” has died at the age of 50.
Her niece, Rhonda Scott, confirmed news of her death in a statement to TMZ on Thursday. Johnson died on Nov. 4 in Los Angeles following a serious heart-related medical emergency.
According to Scott, Johnson experienced the medical emergency at her Los Angeles home on Oct. 27. She was immediately transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where doctors diagnosed her with a heart aneurysm condition.
A heart aneurysm occurs when a weakened area of the heart wall or main artery bulges outward, often leading to damage to the heart muscle.
Aneurysms often develop gradually without noticeable symptoms, but as they enlarge or rupture, they can cause serious warning signs, including sudden, sharp chest or upper back pain, shortness of breath, or difficulty swallowing.
Johnson passed away approximately one week after the initial emergency. An official cause of death, however, has not been publicly disclosed.
Johnson is survived by her son, Los Angeles-based musician Cameron Nino.
Born in 1976 in Pittsburgh, Johnson pursued modeling and beauty pageants. In 1993, she won the Miss Pennsylvania USA title and went on to represent the state at the Miss USA competition.
She continued work in the modeling industry and fashion-related projects, before moving to Los Angeles to pursue further opportunities in entertainment.
Johnson went on to build a career across television and film. She rose to fame in 1990s, securing a role on the popular teen drama “Beverly Hills, 90210” in 1998.
She later appeared in the television action-comedy series “V.I.P.,” starring Pamela Anderson, and also had a role on the comedy series “Wanda at Large.”
One of her most recognizable film appearances came in 2000 in the comedy “Dude, Where’s My Car?” starring Ashton Kutcher and Seann William Scott, where Johnson appeared as one of the characters known as “Jumpsuit Chick.”
Her additional screen credits included “Shadow Fury,” “Spanish Fly,” “Gang Warz,” “Break a Leg,” and “The Summer of Massacre.”
Beyond acting, she also explored opportunities behind the camera, working as an executive producer on independent entertainment projects.
In 2011, Johnson launched “SkinGlow by Kimmarie,” a skincare and beauty business dedicated to handcrafted, organic products.
“I feel the need to stress a more organic approach to our skin and well being as a whole,” she told VoyageLA in an interview last year.
“I’m proud of SkinGlow by Kimmarie because it enables me to speak with women of all concerning health. Outer appearance is important as well, so it’s good that we put our best face forward.”
Johnson’s last recorded acting credit was in 2017 when she appeared in one episode of the television series “Tucker’s War.”
Earlier this year, Johnson made what appeared to be her final red-carpet appearance at the April 22 Los Angeles premiere of “Michael,” before later being photographed on the cover of the digital edition of “Grazia Slovenia” magazine in August.
