
08/15/2025
Dearest JoAnna…
You came into my life in my early 20s…this young naive guy from Ohio who leaped to NYC to pursue a creative life as an actor. Stepping into your studio and meeting you felt like coming home immediately. You gave so many of us dreamers a solid place to feel safe, grounded, and stable. Coming into your studio several times a week for many many years gave me the safety and stability I didn’t know I needed.
Not only did you teach me to love the craft of acting and how to just shut up and do it…your generosity, warmth, honesty, and compassion inspired me. You weren’t afraid to tell us the truth-and you always did it with love and with the best of intentions. There were many nights with laughter and tears. Experiences that molded me into who I am today.
Your ability to live life on your own terms always inspired me. I remember having dinner with you in the village and your story about having to put your first dog to sleep…I carried that story with me a few years ago when my first adult fur baby (who you are pictured with here at my wedding over 10 years ago) had to leave us. You soothed me through that time with the voice that I remembered in my mind.
While my life has shifted so much…I know that your words and your guidance is still with me in the way that I hold space and try to BE in this world. The greatest thing you told all of your students and that I live by is…
“The best choice to make when you are choosing…is to choose the love. Always go for the love my darlings!”
The world has truly lost one of the greats today.
May you rest in peace and in love always dearest JoAnna Beckson. I will love you forever.