Branka Veselinović

Branka Veselinović (; ; 16 September 1918 – 8 February 2023) was a Serbian actress. Her acting career spanned over 80 years. Her career included 100 stage performances and 50 film and television productions. She was a UNICEF ambassador.

Personal life Branka Veselinović was born Branka Ćosić on 16 September 1918 in Óbecse, Austria-Hungary (now Bečej, Serbia). She was the sixth child of Aleksandar, a librarian, and his wife, Jovanka , a teacher. Her parents were accomplished in the artistic field, and she learnt to play the piano at an early age. She was also able to write verses and recite them with ease. She had six siblings. She was a close friend of poet Desanka Maksimović and actor Mija Aleksić.

Veselinović died on 8 February 2023, at the age of 104. She was the second oldest living actress/celebrity in the world after American Elizabeth Waldo, born June 18, 1918.

Career Acting

Veselinović studied acting at National Theatre in Belgrade from 1936 until 1938.

From 1940, she began to make a name for herself by appearing in numerous stage performances across different theatres in Belgrade. She later appeared in Three Sisters (1982), Russian Tzar (1993), Ljubav, navika, panika (2005), Peasants (2006), and Emergency Room (2014). An award named after her was established in 2012, with actors such as Nebojša Glogovac, Vojin Ćetković, and Seka Sablić receiving it. She was the oldest living actress in Serbia and still performed until her death in 2023. With her husband Mlađa, she headed the Branka and Mlađa Veselinović Fund to help disabled children.

Awards In 1964, she received the Sterija Award for playing the role of Gina in Branislav Nušić's Bereaved Family. She was also awarded with the Order of Labour with golden wreath, Branislav Nušić's award, and Vuk Karadžić's award. She was the honorary resident of Belgrade, Novi Sad, and the Children's Village near Sremska Kamenica.