Melinda Wilson and Elizabeth Banks in September 2014.Photo: Stefanie Keenan/Getty
Elizabeth Banksis paying tribute toMelinda Ledbetter Wilson after her death at age 77.
On Tuesday, Beach Boys legendBrian Wilsonannounced that his wife Melinda died, saying his “heart is broken” at the loss of his “beloved wife.”
In anInstagram tributeWednesday, Banks, who portrayed Melinda in the 2014 filmLove & MercyoppositeJohn Cusackas Brian, shared throwback photos and memories.
“What an honor to know her, to be invited into her life with Brian. She was a force,” said Banks, 49.
“She gave me such great advice — on parenting, which house to buy, being an artist. We laughed. She had a good laugh,” she continued. “I was just thinking of her the other day when I passed the deli we used to visit. This is a reminder to reach out to people you enjoy. Tell them.”
Added Banks, “Her family was her world and my heart and prayers are with them.”
Melinda Wilson and Elizabeth Banks in October 2015.Kevin Winter/Getty
Kevin Winter/Getty
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In hisstatementTuesday, Brian, 81, said, “Our five children and I are just in tears. We are lost. Melinda was more than my wife. She was my savior. She gave me the emotional security I needed to have a career. She encouraged me to make the music that was closest to my heart.”
“She was my anchor. She was everything for us. Please say a prayer for her. Love and Mercy,” he concluded.
“I didn’t know how tough it would be,” Melindatold ABC Newsof the film in 2015. “I think I was more nervous than him when I took him to see it, and after I said, ‘So what did you think?’ And he goes, ‘Oh, it was really a lot worse in real life.’ ”
source: people.com
