Denise Dowse, “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Insecure” actress, dies at 64

Actress Denise Dowse – recognised for her roles as vice principal Yvonne Teasley in “Beverly Hills, 90210,” and Dr. Rhonda Pine in “Insecure” – has died at the age 64. 

Dowse’s sister, Tracey Dowse, declared Saturday that she passed away days following slipping into a coma introduced on by a virulent sort of meningitis. Dowse’s manager, Sandra Siegal, also verified the “heartbreaking” loss of life to CBS News.

“I am heartbroken at the reduction of our brilliantly gifted, wonderful, classy, eloquent and loving Denise, who’ve I’ve had the pleasure and blessing of handling and collaborating on her profession for over 25 several years, as properly as a own friendship,” Siegal mentioned in a assertion. “I am at a loss, but have obtained so a lot from knowing her. Denise’s legacy and memory will stay on for good for she has genuinely touched so numerous.” 

Dowse’s sister Tracey announced her demise in an Instagram submit on the actresses account. 

“I want to just take this moment to thank our friends and family for all of the love and prayers,” Tracey Dowse wrote. “It is with a really hefty coronary heart that I advise absolutely everyone that my sister, Denise Dowse has long gone forward to meet up with our loved ones in eternal everyday living. Denise Yvonne Dowse was the most wonderful sister, a consummate, illustrious actress, mentor and director. She was my pretty most effective close friend and last family members member. Denise beloved all of you. I know that she is watching over us with all the adore she has.”

Tracey went on to talk to for privateness and stated she would offer an update on an upcoming Celebration of Lifetime for her sister. 

“Again I am so grateful for all the phone calls, text messages, direct messages, and silent prayers for my sister. We could not have created it so gracefully and painlessly without the need of all of the prayer warriors close to the globe. Thank you for providing so selflessly. I like you, Tracey.”

Dowse was an actor and director for the Negro Ensemble Organization, and served to create the inner-metropolis system Awesome Grace Conservatory with Wendy Raquel-Robinson, the place she directed performs, Tracy reported. Dowse, who dreamt of directing a important motion photograph, directed various small films and unbiased movies, together with “Try to remember Me: The Mahalia’s Jackson Story” which premiered this April at the Pan African Film Competition. 

Dowse’s “Beverly Hills, 90210” co-star Ian Zeiring replied to the article, sharing fond reminiscences on set with the actress.

“This is insanely heartbreaking,” Zeiring wrote. “In the course of all my many years functioning on ‘Beverly Hills 90210,’ my scenes with Denise will constantly be remembered with the utmost in regard for her expertise, and fondness for the loving soul she was. Some of my heartiest off digital camera laughs have been amongst she and I, hammering out the the self-control her Mrs. Teasley would dish out to my Steve Sanders. My sincere condolences to her household, and all other people who she was dear to. God bless you Denise, pay out forward that Legacy Vital.”

“Insecure” star Issa Rae also supplied her condolences less than the post, commenting: “Sending you significantly love. Ms. Denise will be so skipped and her affect will be felt for generations. I am eternally thankful for her advice.”

Dowse’s prolific film and tv vocation spanned 4 a long time. Other credits include things like “Seinfeld,” “Requiem for a Dream,” “Monk,” “Pleasantville” and “Gilmore Girls.”