Eve and BAPS star Natalie Desselle-Reid has tragically passed away at the age of 53 following a battle with colon cancer.
As TMZ reported, a family member confirmed that the actress passed on while in hospice care surrounded by her loved ones.
The veteran actress, who appeared in various movies and TV shows including B.A.P.S., Cinderella, Eve, Built to Last, For Your Love, and Def Jam’s How to Be a Player, is survived by her husband and three children.
“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,” the family expressed in a statement.
“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.”
Following the comedy star’s premature passing, people have paid a tribute to the 53-year-old in a string of touching social media posts.
“Natalie was a bright light. She was an amazing actress and comedienne but also an awesome mother & wife. Sending prayers to her family,” Natalie’s manager, Delores Robinson, expressed.
“Just absolutely decimated by this news… Actress Natalie Desselle, a bright shining star passed away this morning. I got to know her when my mom was managing her,” Holly Robinson-Peete, Robinson’s daughter, added.
Natalie’s co-star Shad Moss AKA Bow Wow said: “Sending my love and condolences out to Natalie Desselle family. Had the pleasure of working with her on Tyler Perrys ‘Madea Big Happy Family’ sending my love.”
Our thoughts are with Natalie’s family during these tough times. May she rest in peace.
Replaced!