Victoria Anastasi, an actress best known for her roles in Veep and House of Cards, as well as the faith-based film Restoration, passed away over the weekend of January 10-12, 2025. Her long-time companion, Alexis Miller, announced the sad news in a blog post shared on social media. According to her family, Anastasi succumbed to Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), a hereditary illness.
In the 2018 faith-based movie Restoration, filmed in Fayetteville, Anastasi portrayed Samantha Collins, a spirited high school student who needed a personal coach to prepare for a wrestling match. Her character’s journey intertwined with CK Erwin (played by Ken Stewart), a man grappling with personal loss.
The film, directed by Jeremiah McLamb, received mixed reviews but resonated with audiences, earning several accolades. According to IMDb, Restoration garnered six nominations and won four awards, including Best Feature Film at the Christian Film Festival and Best Family Film at the Inspired Faith Film Festival.
Born in La Plata, Maryland, Anastasi lived and worked in Atlanta, Georgia. Her passion for acting began at the age of eight when she discovered her familial connection to legendary actress Katharine Hepburn. In her official biography, Anastasi wrote, “I dedicated myself to becoming an actress.”
Anastasi honed her craft in the theater program at La Plata High School before moving to North Carolina after college to pursue acting. She eventually settled in Atlanta, where she continued her career until her passing. Beyond acting, Victoria was an accomplished designer and painter, channeling her artistic talents into various creative endeavors.
Friends and colleagues remembered Anastasi for her warmth, humor, and generosity. “You were the sweetest, goofiest, brightest light. I’ll always miss our coffee evenings, your laugh, and the adventures we shared,” Jamie Burroughs wrote in a heartfelt Facebook tribute.