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Judith Barsey: The Tragic Story of an Innocent Child Star

Hafiz Usman Aftab

Feb 03

Judith Barsi was an American child actress, who in the 1980s gained a prominent position in Hollywood with her exceptional talent. The journey of her life and career was full of success and tragedies which are still fresh in people's minds.

 

Early life and start of career 

 

Judith was born on June 6, 1978, in Los Angeles, California. Her parents Joseph and Maria Barsi were Hungarian immigrants who immigrated to America after the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Judith’s mother recognised her acting talent and started her training at the age of five. Her first character in the television miniseries "Fatal Vision" was played by Kimberly McDonald. After that, she worked in more than 70 commercials and television series including "Ponkey Brewster" and "Remington Steel". In her film career included the voices of Dickie in "Jaws: The Revenge" and the animated films "The Land Before Time" and Anne Marie in "All Dogs Go to Heaven."

 

Domestic Problems and Father Violence

 

Despite the professional achievements of Judith, her personal life was full of problems. Her father Joseph Barsi was an alcoholic addict and his behaviour was getting aggressive day by day. He was mostly threatening her wife and daughter to kill and torture him. In 1986 Maria informed the police about the threats and violence. But due to the lack of physical evidence, no action could be taken. Judith told her friend that her father threw dishes at her due to which his nose started to bleed. Due to these circumstances, Judith became depressed and started scratching her eyelashes and cat's whiskers.

 

Tragic Ending

 

On July 25, 1988, Joseph murdered Judith in her bedroom by gunshot. When Maria heard the sound of a gunshot she ran towards her daughter so Joseph killed her too. After two days Joseph sprinkled the bodies with petrol and set them on fire and then he committed suicide by shooting himself. This tragic incident shocked Hollywood and its fans.

 

After Death Releases and Monuments

 

After the death of Judith her two animated films "The Land Before Time" and "All Dogs Go to Heaven" were released. In which her vocal performance was appreciated. Director Don Bluth praised her and said that the acting skills of Judith were amazing and he wanted to work with her in the future. 

 

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