Justine Johnston

Justine Johnston (June 13, 1921 – January 13, 2006) was an American actress whose work spanned musical theatre, film, and television. Born in Evanston, Illinois, she built a Broadway career that extended from 1963 to 1990 and encompassed a range of notable productions.

During World War II, Johnston performed for audiences throughout the Mid-Pacific before establishing herself on the New York stage. Her Broadway credits included the original production of Follies, the Stephen Sondheim musical that went on to win the Tony Award, as well as Sondheim: A Musical Tribute, Molly, Angela, and the American production of Me and My Girl. She also appeared in a revival of Irene that starred Debbie Reynolds.

Beyond the stage, Johnston took on screen roles as well. She is perhaps best known to film audiences for playing Aunt Pearl in the 1981 comedy Arthur.

Throughout her professional life, Johnston was also deeply committed to the labor organization representing her industry. She served on the governing body of the Actors' Equity Association for 39 years. During her lifetime, she was occasionally confused with Justine Johnstone, a silent film actress with a similarly spelled name; the two women were unrelated and had no connection to one another.

Johnston died of a stroke in West Hollywood in 2006 at the age of 84.