TV veteran Denise Dowse has died aged 64 after battling “a virulent form of meningitis”.
The Insecure star’s death was confirmed by her sister Tracey Dowse, who wrote a touching tribute to the “illustrated actress, mentor and director” on Instagram on Saturday.
TMZ revealed earlier this week that Denise was “fighting for her life” and was in a non-medically induced coma.
“I want to take this moment to thank our friends and family for all the love and prayers. It is with a heavy heart that I announce to everyone that my sister Denise Dowse has stepped forward to meet our family in eternal life,” Tracey wrote.
RIP: TV veteran Denise Dowse has died aged 64 after battling “a virulent form of meningitis”; Denise seen in 2016
She included a snap of her sister beaming during a recent event on the red carpet, where she was seen with a big smile.
Tracey continued, “Denise Yvonne Dowse was the most amazing sister, an accomplished celebrated actress, mentor and director. She was my very best friend and last member of my family.
“Denise loved you all. I know that she is watching over us with all her love.”
Tracey asked her friends and followers for “privacy and your continued prayers,” noting that she would provide information on her celebration of life “at a later date” on her Instagram.
“I want to take this moment to thank our friends and family for all the love and prayers. It is with a heavy heart that I announce to everyone that my sister Denise Dowse has stepped forward to meet our family in eternal life,” Tracey wrote.
“Again, I am so grateful for all of the calls, texts, direct messages, and silent prayers for my sister. We couldn’t have done it so gracefully and painlessly without all the prayer warriors around the world. Thank you for giving so selflessly. I love you Tracey,” she concluded.
Tracey was the one who revealed on Instagram last week that Denise was in an undisclosed hospital after battling a “virulent form of meningitis”.
She explained in the caption that the coma was not medically induced, asking for “support and prayers” at the time.
Fight: TMZ revealed earlier this week that Denise was “fighting for her life” and was in a non-medically induced coma; Pictured 2017
Sharing a message with fans on both Denise’s Instagram account and her own, Tracey wrote, “As many of you have seen, my posts have been positive and uplifting. I try to keep my spirits up and support those who need it. As many of you know, I am a private individual. So that’s hard for me.’
“I ask for support and prayers to be offered to myself and my sister and my only immediate family @denisedowse.”
“She is currently in hospital in a coma caused by a virulent form of meningitis. Her doctors do not know when she will come out of the coma as it was not medically induced,” she added.
Speaking of which, Tracey was the one who revealed on Instagram last week that Denise was in an undisclosed hospital after battling a “virulent form of meningitis.”
Tracey concluded the caption, writing that her sister should have “many years ahead of her.”
“She is a vibrant actress and director who should have many years ahead of her. Thoughts, prayers and support are greatly appreciated.’
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord that can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
Her roles: Denise is known for playing Dr. Playing Rhonda Pyne on Insecure. She has also had roles on the hit series Grey’s Anatomy, Stumptown, The Guardian, and Coach Carter and more; Pictured in a still from Stumptown
Denise is known for her impressive career, with her recurring TV roles including Dr. Rhonda Pyne in the HBO series Insecure directed by Issa Rae from 2017-2020, as well as The Guardian and Beverly Hills, 90210.
Her film roles include Coach Carter, Ray and Requiem for a Dream.
She also directed the upcoming movie Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story, starring Vanessa Williams, Corbin Bleu, Keith David and Columbus Short.
Her work: She also directed the upcoming movie Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story, starring Vanessa Williams, Corbin Bleu, Keith David and Columbus Short