Actress Natalie Desselle Reid has died aged 53, with her family asking for privacy as they grieve the tragic loss.
A titan of the US comedy scene, the starlet was beloved for her role in the film B.A.P.S, starring opposite Halle Berry, and in Def Jam’s How To Be A Player.
Desselle Reid died on the morning of December 7, and no further details of her death have been announced.
A statement shared via her Instagram account read: “It is with extremely heavy hearts that we share the loss of our beautiful Natalie this morning.
“She was a bright light in this world. A queen. An extraordinary mother and wife.”
Comedienne Natalie Desselle Reid has died aged 53 (Image: WireImage)
“Her diverse career touched so many and she will be loved forever.
“Naturally, we are grieving and processing this profound loss and we thank you in advance for respecting our privacy at this extremely difficult time.”
Born in Louisiana, Desselle’s love of theatre blossomed while she was studying at Grambling State University, taking part in a number of college productions.
Starring in 1997’s B.A.P.S. was a defining moment in her career, playing a waitress named Mickey in a soul food diner in Decatur, Georgia.
The actress is remembered as an “extraordinary mother and wife” (Image: Natalie Desselle Reid/Instagram)
Later, she starred in Brandy’s version of Cinderella, and fans will remember her from TV shows such as Built To Last, For Your Love and Eve.
More recently, she acted in the hit comedy flick Madea’s Big Happy Family, and also guest-starred in the sitcom Family Matters.
Her manager, Dolores Robinson, also paid tribute to her career, branding the screen star as a “bright light”.
Natalie Desselle Reid more recently starred in Madea’s Big Happy Family (Image: WireImage)
She said: “Natalie Desselle the beautiful talented actress passed away this morning.
“Natalie was a bright light. She was an amazing actress and comedienne but also an awesome mother & wife.
“Sending prayers to her family. I had the pleasure of managing her career.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
