2012 saw the release of a cool indie slasher called THE SLEEPER, which was graced by the presence of the legendary Joe Bob Briggs. The DVD and Blu-ray releases even contain a bonus feature in which Joe Bob tallies up the "Drive-In Totals" for the film. The "final girl" of the film was played by Brittany Belland, who turned in an endearing performance that made me hope we'd be seeing her in a lot more movies, and made me sure that would be happening.
Since THE SLEEPER, Belland racked up an impressive list of credits doing TV work, appearing in shorts, and starring in commercials. Chances are you've seen her in some kind of ad on your TV in the last few years. Last year, she appeared in another horror film, CLOWNTERGEIST.
Unfortunately, the promising career Belland was building for herself has been brought to an end way too soon. I was shocked and saddened to hear the news that she passed away last week, on November 21st.
There is still some more of her work to look forward to, she was in a couple short films that have yet to be released, but it's a shame that we don't have several more years worth of her performances to look forward to.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Brittany Belland's family, friends, and fans.
R.I.P.