Television actor Denise Dowse has died at the age of 64, days after it was reported that she had gone into a coma due to “a virulent form of meningitis”.
The TV star was best known for roles in the US teen drama Beverly Hills, 90210 and, more recently, HBO’s Insecure.
Dowse’s passing was announced on her Instagram account by her sister, Tracey, on Sunday where she described the star as an “illustrious actress, mentor and director”.
Sharing a photo of her on the red carpet, Tracey wrote: “I want to take this moment to thank our friends and family for all of the love and prayers.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I inform everyone that my sister Denise Dowse has gone forward to meet our family in eternal life.
“Denise Yvonne Dowse was the most amazing sister, a consummate, illustrious actress, mentor and director.
“She was my very best friend and final family member. Denise loved all of you. I know that she is watching over us with all the love she has.”
Tracey’s social media post also asked fans for privacy during this time and said that their prayers and support were greatly appreciated.
“Denise loved all of you. I know that she is watching over us with all the love she has,” her statement continued.
“I ask for privacy and your continued prayers. I will provide, at a later time, her Celebration of Life information. I will update you here.
“Again I am so grateful for all the calls, text messages, direct messages, and silent prayers for my sister.
“We could not have made it so gracefully and painlessly without all of the prayer warriors around the world. Thank you for giving so selflessly.”
In light of the news, many of Dowse’s former co-stars shared their sympathies under the post and remembered her extraordinary life.
Ian Ziering, who played Steve Sanders on Beverly Hills, 90210, wrote: “This is insanely heartbreaking.
“Throughout all my years working on Beverly Hills 90210, my scenes with Denise will always be remembered with the utmost in respect for her talent, and fondness for the loving soul she was.
“Some of my heartiest off camera laughs were between she and I hammering out the the discipline her Mrs. Teasley would dish out to my Steve Sanders.
“My sincere condolences to her family, and all others who she was dear to. God bless you Denise, pay forward that Legacy Key”.
“Sending love to you,” wrote fellow 90210 alum Jennie Garth.
Her Insecure co-star Issa Rae penned: “Sending you much love. Ms. Denise will be so missed and her impact will be felt for generations. I am forever thankful for her guidance”.
“Ohhhhh how I loved you. And oh you were sooooo loved! Thank you for all that you shared with me from Girlfriends to blackish!” shared Tracee Ellis Ross, who starred in Girlfriends and Blackish with Dowse.
Tori Spelling, who played Donna Martin alongside Dowse in 90210, wrote: “Thank you Tracey for writing this. Condolences to you and your entire family. Denise was so special.
“So smart, charming, and funny. So beautiful inside and out. Her smile was contagious. Her hugs were the best. Grateful grateful for the time she spent in my life. Hugs to you all!”
Dowse played Vice Principal Yvonne Teasley on 90s teen drama Beverly Hills, 90210. However, her acting credits include guest appearances on shows such as Seinfeld, Grey’s Anatomy, Charmed, The West Wing, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
