Žiža Stojanović, a legendary actress best remembered by the domestic audience as the iconic Cana Fontana from the cult series “Happy People,” has passed away at the age of 95. Today, her cremation farewell was held at the New Cemetery in Belgrade, where family members, friends, and colleagues gathered to pay tribute to one of the most significant figures in domestic cinema and theater.
Her rich career includes dozens of significant roles in TV series such as “Diplomats,” “Salaš u Malom Ritu,” “Otpisani,” “Better Life,” “Family Treasure,” as well as films like “Return of the Otpisani,” “Balkan Express 2,” and “Tight Skin 3.” Žiža began her artistic journey right after World War II by joining the Abrašević society, with her first major role as Koštana. She was a member of theaters in Niš, Novi Sad, and Belgrade, leaving an indelible mark.
Though life was not kind to her – she remembered war, hunger, and personal tragedies, including the loss of her daughter Sonja after a severe illness – her love for acting was her strength and motivation. Her family, including her grandson Uroš, a conductor in Germany, and granddaughter Ana, a pharmacist, bid her farewell today with deep sorrow.
The first to arrive at the cemetery to pay respects was the entertainer and host Goran Stojićević Karamela, who emphasized how much Žiža loved acting and how special she was. Her death leaves a void in the cultural world and in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Žiža Stojanović remains remembered as a symbol of dedication to art and strength of spirit, and her legacy will live on through her unforgettable roles and the memories of the audience.
