Daisy flowers, friends dressed in black clothing, and sounds of Broadway musicals filled the Bob and Barbara Ellis Auditorium yesterday to pay respect to Daisy Johnson, 19, who died on Monday.
“She was known as ‘my heart,’ we would always call her that and she hit you back with ‘What’s up, my heart,’” mused Juztin Shan, who attended the memorial for Johnson yesterday.
Johnson was a loved member of the theatre community and recently played Nina in LBCC’s recent musical rendition of “In the Heights,” which she also performed at the State of the College event in March.
Friends and former cast members gathered in groups wearing daisy flowers in the auditorium foyer, some in tears, as people entered and offered their condolences.
“She had this joy to her, everyone was always so happy when she was around,” Juliana Medina, a high school peer of Johnson’s, began crying as she explained her love for her friend.
The memorial was both a celebration of Johnson’s life and a display of mourning.
The auditorium foyer included a table adorned with flowers and a box where loved ones could write a final message to Johnson.
Many of the students in attendance were part of “In the Heights” or involved with theatre in some way and the majority were dressed in black.
“(During auditions) I knew as soon as she started singing, within the first couple seconds, I said ‘Oh she’s in the show. She’s Nina,” Mark Anthony Vallejo, musical director of “In the Heights,” said.
Not only was Johnson involved with acting, but she was an avid singer as well.
“She was always singing, and I was always like ‘She should not be here, she should be on Broadway,’” said Jaylen Ferrera, a friend of Johnson’s.
Daisy Johnson performing the role of Nina in “In the Heights.” Johnson’s friends and castmates gathered to remember her in the Bob and Barbara Ellis Auditorium yesterday. (Sam Villa)
Johnson’s impact on her friends, family and castmates was immense, with many in attendance excited to talk about her and her accomplishments.
Johnson was clearly on the cusp of being a household name.
“The rest of the world won’t be able to see how bright she was to us and how much she showed us,” said Vanmanyrith “David” Chhom, a friend of Johnson’s.
Outside of LBCC, Johnson was a part of the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute (LSTFI) in Los Angeles.
LSTFI is a highly regarded theatre and film institute, with alumni such as Marilyn Monroe, Lady Gaga, Alec Baldwin, and Chris Evans.
Johnson’s love for acting and theatre was a large part of her life, as seen by her numerous projects over the years.
Johnson was also an alumnus of the Humanities and Arts Academy (HARTS), which recently posted to its Instagram account regarding her passing.
“HARTS Academy is devastated by the passing of Daisy Johnson, a beloved alumna of our school. Daisy was more than a student-she was a bright light, a kind soul, and a passionate performer. Her compassion, determination, and joyful spirit left a lasting impact on our community,” the post read.
She also worked on a film project called “Bloodstreet,” a horror short film that came out on Halloween in 2024.
Johnson’s lasting impression on those who loved her will clearly never be dismissed, forgotten or taken for granted.
“She knew how to sing, she knew Shakespeare, she knew how to act. That girl was talented,” Ferrera said.
Johnson was planning on applying to the University of Southern California, continuing her work in the arts and spreading her love for theatre.
“She had an amazing voice, she was so talented. It was the gift of an angel,” Medina said.