Besedka Johnson, the one-time model who finally splashed onscreen at age 85, passed away April 4 at 87.

It’s a remarkable story: Johnson, a longtime California resident who once managed a condo complex in San Francisco, landed a co-lead role in the indie film film “Starlet” after a producer of the movie spotted the octogenarian swimming at a YMCA in Hollywood.

Johnson gained plaudits for her vivid work as Sadie, an ornery widow who unexpectedly develops a friendship with a young woman played by Dree Hemingway. It was Johnson’s only acting job.

“Ms. Johnson received special jury recognition for her performance in “Starlet” at the South by Southwest film festival in Austin, Tex., last year,” according to a New York Times report. “In February, “Starlet” received the Robert Altman Award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards.”

The NYT obit is here.