Justine Johnstone was an American actress known for her performances in silent films, particularly during the early 1920s. She later became a respected pathologist and innovator in medical treatments.
Personal and Family Life
Justine Johnstone was born Gustina Johnson on January 31, 1895, in Englewood, New Jersey, to a poor Scandinavian immigrant family. Despite her strict upbringing, she was passionate about acting from a young age, often writing plays for her friends. Justine married producer Walter Wanger in 1919, and they corresponded during his time as a World War I aviator.
Career Shift and Contributions
After achieving fame on Broadway and in silent films, Johnstone decided to retire from acting in 1926 due to dissatisfaction with the roles available to her. She pursued a medical career, becoming an assistant at Columbia University, where she contributed to significant advancements in intravenous treatments and syphilis cure. She continued her work in medicine even after moving to Los Angeles in 1931 for her husband’s career.
Death and Legacy
Justine Johnstone passed away on September 3, 1982, in Santa Monica, California, from congestive heart failure, at the age of 87. She requested no obituaries, preferring to maintain her privacy. Her legacy includes her groundbreaking medical research and her efforts in advocating for women’s rights and equality.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| A Heart to Let | 1921-07-18 | Agatha |
| Nothing But Lies | 1920-04-01 | Ann Nigh |
| Never the Twain Shall Meet | 1925-09-13 | Maisie Morrison |
| Sheltered Daughters | 1921-05-01 | Jenny Dark |