Denise Dowse, an actress and director whose credits included “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Insecure,” and “Ray,” has died, her family confirmed to CNN on Sunday. Dowse also served as a director. She was 64 years old.
Tracey Dowse, the actress’ sister, said in a statement that she had to announce their sister’s death with a “sad heart.”
She also shared the news of her sister’s death on her Instagram account, where she remembered her as a supporter of African American theatre who was also dedicated to passing on her love of the performing arts to future generations. Dowse worked for the Negro Ensemble Company as an actor and director. He also directed plays for the Amazing Grace Conservatory, a program that trains young actors from the city’s slums.
Dowse rose to prominence for her role as Mrs. Yvonne Teasley in the critically acclaimed television series “Beverly Hills, 90210.” She most recently appeared as the therapist for Yvonne Orji’s character Molly Carter in the HBO comedy series “Insecure.” Dowse has appeared in numerous films and television shows, as well as directed films such as “Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story,” which had its world premiere in April at the Pan African Film Festival.
“I am very happy to have been her sister,” Tracey Dowse said in an interview with CNN. “She was a star on both the stage and in the movies. She could enjoy and celebrate life’s pleasures. Something that all of us can learn from.”
Denise Dowse plays Lorraine Simms, Kevin McKidd plays Dr. Owen Hunt, Jesse Williams plays Dr. Jackson Avery, and Greg Germann plays Dr. Thomas Koracick on “Grey’s Anatomy.” Denise Dowse also appears alongside Kevin McKidd as Dr.
Dowse’s manager, Sandra Siegal of Siegal Company, reflected on her relationship with her client and friend in a statement released on Sunday.
“I’m heartbroken, but knowing Denise, who was brilliantly talented, beautiful, elegant, eloquent, and loving, has taught me so much. For over 25 years, I had the pleasure and blessing of managing and collaborating on her career, as well as a personal friendship with her. I am devastated by the loss of our Denise, who was brilliantly talented, stunningly beautiful, elegant, eloquent, and loving. Denise’s legacy and memory will live on in perpetuity because she had such a profound impact on the lives of so many people “Siegal stated.
Dowse appeared in several television shows during her career, which spanned several decades, including “Charmed,” “Girlfriends,” “The West Wing,” and “Law & Order.” She has also appeared in films such as “Pleasantville” and “Requiem for a Dream,” according to her IMDB profile.