Evelyn “Brandy” Foster: A Life of Strength, Style and Love

A Loss to the Foster Family

Evelyn “Brandy” Foster, the guiding hand behind her daughter,

actress Jodie Foster’s successful career until she won her Academy Award for The Silence of the Lambs in 1991,

has passed away, leaving a profound sense of loss for the Foster family.

Jodie Foster, along with her siblings Lucinda, Constance, and Bud, penned a heartfelt obituary in remembrance of their mother, who passed away at the age of 90 due to complications from dementia.

“Evelyn was undeniably the most formidable person our family has ever known, a real champion, a fighter, a person full of passion and love,” they noted in the obituary. “Her unique sense of style, innate ‘corkscrew’ hair, and a mere five feet in stature set her apart. Her dimpled smiles, affectionate hugs, and judicious use of four-letter words will always be remembered by her family. No one dared to cross paths with Nana as she was an original. May her spirit live on in us forever.”

A Legacy of Talent Management

Evelyn’s talent management skills were not confined to Jodie; she also managed her son Bud Foster, known for his role in the sitcom Mayberry R.F.D from 1968 to 1971. Evelyn herself had an impressive background in entertainment, being a former big band singer and a publicist for Arthur Jacobs, representing stars such as Grace Kelly, Gregory Peck, James Stewart, and Marilyn Monroe.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked well-wishers to “look up at the sky, spread your arms, and say her name.” They added, “She would love that,” in their heartfelt message.

An Inspiring Life Journey

Evelyn “Brandy” Foster, mother to Jodie, Lucinda, Constance, and Bud, passed away peacefully at her home on May 13 due to complications from dementia at 90. Born and brought up in Rockford, Illinois, Evelyn moved to California in the 1940s to pursue her big band singing career. It was there that she met and married Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Lucius Foster at a fencing event, who later became a successful real estate developer in Los Angeles.

Evelyn worked briefly as a publicist for Arthur Jacobs in Hollywood, representing notable figures like Grace Kelly, Gregory Peck, James Stewart, and Marilyn Monroe. As a single mother of four in her 30s, Evelyn utilized her industry experience to manage Buddy’s budding acting career.

Buddy is best remembered for his role as Ken Berry’s son on the TV show Mayberry RFD. Evelyn successfully navigated her youngest daughter Jodie’s career from her first commercial at the age of three—the famous Coppertone ad of the 1960s—until she won her second Best Actress Oscar for The Silence of the Lambs in 1991.

Paris held a special place in Evelyn’s heart as her second home, where she delighted in wandering the city’s streets with her grandchildren and amassing art for her Ile de St. Louis apartment. Surrounded by art and architectural magazines, she spent her Sundays immersed in beauty. Evelyn was an assertive advocate for social justice, a liberal stalwart with an opinion on everything, and an enthusiastic supporter of foreign films.

Her passing will be privately mourned by her family. They ask that instead of sending flowers, admirers should look up at the sky, open their arms, and speak her name. “That would make her happy.”