“With a heavy heart, I must announce his passing,” the actress’ sister, Tracey Dowse, said in a statement.
She also announced her sister’s death on the actress’ Instagram account, remembering her as an advocate for African-American theater who was also dedicated to sharing the profession with children. Dowse performed and directed for the Negro Ensemble Company and directed plays for the Amazing Grace Conservatory, a theater training program for inner-city youth.
Dowse was well known for her role as Mrs. Yvonne Teasley on the hit series “Beverly Hills, 90210” and recently appeared on the HBO comedy series “Insecure” as Molly Carter’s (Yvonne Orji) therapist. In addition to acting roles in dozens of films and television series, Dowse has also directed films, including “Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story,” which premiered in April at the Pan-African Film Festival.
“I’m so proud to have been his sister,” Tracey Dowse told CNN. “She lit up the stage and the screen. She knew how to dance through life and see the joy. Something we can all learn from.”
Dowse director Sandra Siegal of Siegal Company remembered her client and friend in a statement on Sunday.
“I am heartbroken by the loss of our brilliantly talented, beautiful, elegant, eloquent and loving Denise, who I have had the joy and blessing of managing and collaborating in her career for over 25 years, as well as “a personal friendship. I’m lost, but I gained so much knowing her. Denise’s legacy and memory will live on forever because she truly touched so many people,” Siegal said.
Throughout her decades-long career, Dowse has appeared in several television series, including “Charmed,” “Girlfriends,” “The West Wing,” and “Law and Order.” She’s also had roles in films such as “Pleasantville” and “Requiem for a Dream,” according to her IMDB profile.