“It is with a heavy heart that I announce her passing,” the actress’ sister, Tracey Dowse, said in a statement.
She also announced her sister’s death on the actress’ Instagram account and remembered her as a champion of African American theater who also championed sharing the profession with children. Dowse has acted and directed for the Negro Ensemble Company and has directed plays for the Amazing Grace Conservatory inner-city theater training program for youth.
Best known for her role as Mrs. Yvonne Teasley on the hit series Beverly Hills, 90210, Dowse recently appeared on the HBO comedy series Insecure as Molly Carter’s (Yvonne Orji) therapist. In addition to acting roles in dozens of films and television series, Dowse has also directed films including Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story, which premiered at the Pan African Film Festival in April.
“I’m so proud to have been her sister,” Tracey Dowse told CNN. “She lit the stage and the screen. She knew how to dance in life and see the joy. Something we can all learn from.”
Dowse’s manager, Siegal Company’s Sandra Siegal, recalled her client and friend in a statement Sunday.
“I am heartbroken at the loss of our brilliantly talented, beautiful, elegant, eloquent and loving Denise, whom I have had the joy and blessing of managing and working with her career for over 25 years, as well as a personal friendship. I’m at a loss, but I’ve gained so much from knowing her. Denise’s legacy and memory will live on forever because she truly touched so many,” Siegal said.
During her decade-long career, Dowse appeared in several television series, including Charmed, Girlfriends, The West Wing, and Law and Order. According to her IMDB profile, she also played roles in films such as Pleasantville and Requiem for a Dream.