Judith Eva Barsi was an American child actress born on June 6, 1978. She is best known for her voice role as young Ducky in The Land Before Time (1988) and her portrayal of Jody in the domestic violence drama Mommy (1995). Barsi’s career spanned the late 1980s and early 1990s, during which she appeared in film and television before her life ended tragically in July 1988. This profile outlines her birthday, key credits, and the factual record of her short life, drawing on verified reports and authoritative sources.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Judith Eva Barsi | Biographical records |
| Date of Birth | June 6, 1978 | Birth registry and biographies |
| Date of Death | July 25, 1988 | Coroner and law enforcement reports |
| Notable Voice Role | Young Ducky in The Land Before Time (1988) | Film credits and cast listings |
| Notable Live-Action Role | Jody in Mommy (1995) | Film credits and reviews |
Early Life and Background
Judith Barsi was born in Los Angeles, California, on June 6, 1978. She was the younger of two children born to Maria and Joseph Barsi. Her early childhood coincided with her entry into acting, and by age three, she began appearing in commercials. Industry professionals note her quick memorization skills and expressive range for a child her age. These formative years set the stage for her casting in higher-profile projects as she entered elementary school.
Acting Career and Key Roles
Judith Barsi’s career highlights include voice work in an animated feature and a critically noted live-action performance. She started with small television parts and national commercials before landing notable roles. Her contributions remain recognizable through reruns and legacy titles that continue to find audiences.
Primary Voice Work
Her most prominent voice role was as the character Ducky in the animated feature The Land Before Time (1988). Her lines were recorded alongside other child actors under structured sessions, and her tone helped define the film’s younger demographic appeal. The movie achieved strong box office reception and enduring video sales, sustaining interest in her work.
Live-Action Performance in Mommy
In 1995, the drama Mommy featured Judith Barsi as Jody, a child living in a high-stress household. The film addressed themes of domestic tension and resilience. While it did not achieve wide commercial reach, it drew attention for its emotional weight and the performances of its young cast, including Barsi’s portrayal.
Public Recognition and Media Coverage
During her active years, Judith Barsi appeared in entertainment news segments focused on child performers. Trade publications noted her professionalism on set and her ability to follow direction in emotionally demanding scenes. Interviews with her family provided insight into managing a child actor’s schedule. This coverage helped maintain a steady level of public recognition well after her passing.
Tragic Event and Legacy
Judith Barsi died in July 1988 at the age of 10. Law enforcement and coroner reports confirm the circumstances surrounding her death. In the years since, her name has been preserved through retrospective features, film databases, and fan discussions. Her roles continue to be discoverable on home video and streaming platforms, ensuring that new audiences can encounter her work.
Comparison with Contemporaries
Among child performers of the late 1980s, Judith Barsi’s select credits distinguish her within niche catalogs. The table below summarizes key comparable data points for context.
- Primary medium: Film, with some television appearances
- Age at first notable credit: Around 3–4 years old
- Peak recognition period: 1988–1990 via The Land Before Time releases
- Posthumous reach: Continued through catalog releases and retrospectives
FAQ
Reader questions
When was Judith Barsi born?
She was born on June 6, 1978.
What was her most famous role?
Her most famous role was as young Ducky in The Land Before Time (1988).
Did she work after The Land Before Time?
Yes, she appeared in projects such as Mommy (1995) and continued with voice and live-action work into the early 1990s.
How did Judith Barsi die?
She died in July 1988 at age 10. Specific details are documented in official reports.
Is her work still available to view?
Yes, her films remain in distribution through home video and streaming services.