We are heartbroken to share that our beloved friend, teacher, and mentor, JoAnna Beckson, has been diagnosed with advanced leukemia. Joanna has made the deeply personal decision to not seek treatment and focus on spending her remaining time—estimated by doctors to be just three months—in comfort, peace, and dignity.

JoAnna Beckson has touched the lives of countless students, actors, and artists over the years. As a gifted acting teacher and coach, she poured her heart into nurturing talent, inspiring creativity, and offering guidance to generations of performers who found both their voices and their confidence under her care. Her impact in the artistic community is immeasurable, and her legacy lives on in every stage, screen, and soul she helped shape.

In her private world, she is the favorite aunt of her nieces and nephews, with whom she shared her love of the magic of NYC!

Now, Joanna needs our help.

She wishes to remain at home surrounded by familiar comforts, close friends, and love. To make this possible, Joanna requires in-home care, which comes with significant costs not fully covered by insurance.

We are raising funds to cover:

• Professional in-home care services

• Basic living expenses during this time of need

Every contribution, no matter the amount, will help give Joanna the compassionate care she deserves and allow her to live her final days knowing how many lives she has affected, how dearly she is loved, and how grateful we are for her presence in our lives.

If you have ever been impacted by Joanna’s teaching, her gift, her light, or simply believe in supporting someone who has given so much to so many, we ask you to consider donating and sharing this campaign.

Let’s come together to give back to someone who has given us all so much.

With gratitude,

Rob Bartlett

Pam Mertsock-Wolfe

Michelle Harman McDonald

On behalf of JoAnna’s friends, students, family, and loved ones