Brenda Deiss, Breakout Star of Sean Baker’s ‘Red Rocket,’ Dies at 60

Brenda Deiss, a breakout star of Sean Baker‘s indie darling Red Rocket, has died. The actress, who starred as the mother-in-law of Simon Rex‘s lead Mickey Saber in the film, died Monday (Feb. 14) at Clear Lake Hospital in Clear Lake, Texas as a result of a stroke last month. She was 60.

A spokesperson from Red Rocket confirmed her passing to Deadline. Later, director Sean Baker penned a tribute to his actress on Twitter.

“I have some very sad news to report,” Baker wrote. “Brenda Deiss, who played Lil in Red Rocket, passed away on Monday after suffering a stroke.”

Baker, who is known for casting non-actors in his Americana-styled films, cast Deiss alongside Rex and her on-screen daughter Bree Elrod (who stars as Lexi). Other cast in the film includes Suzanna Son, Brittney Rodriguez, and Ethan Darbone.

“I remember every detail of the moment Brenda and I met,” Baker continued. “It was a chance meeting in her hometown of Texas City, TX. Her incredible energy and carefree spirit made an indelible impression on me. This led to us working together but more importantly getting to know an incredible woman who was full of heart, wonder and love.”

Red Rocket tells the story of Mickey Saber, an adult film star who moves back to Texas City to restart his old life. When he moves in with estranged wife Lexi, things spiral out of control as he falls in love with a much younger woman at a donut shop. Deiss starred as Lil, Lexi’s mother who continuously poked Mickey for rent and more amenities.

“In the short time we spent together, she created with us, laughed with us, and shared her stories with us, some of them heartbreaking and others insightful and fascinating,” Baker concluded. “We all have people in our lives that change it for the better and Brenda was one of those people for me. I will miss her dearly.”

Red Rocket is now streaming on VOD.

Where to watch Red Rocket