(CNN) — Actress and director Denise Dowse, whose prolific career has included roles on Beverly Hills, 90210, Insecure and Ray, has died at the age of 64, her family confirmed to CNN on Sunday.
Denise Dowse in 2017.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce her passing,” the actress’ sister, Tracey Dowse, said in a statement.
She also announced her sister’s death on the actress’ Instagram account and remembered her as a champion of African American theater who also championed sharing the profession with children. Dowse has acted and directed for the Negro Ensemble Company and directed works for the Amazing Grace Conservatory, an inner-city youth theater education program.
Best known for her role as Mrs. Yvonne Teasley on the hit series Beverly Hills, 90210, Dowse recently appeared on the HBO comedy series Insecure as Molly Carter’s (Yvonne Orji) therapist. In addition to starring in dozens of films and television series, Dowse has also directed, including Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story, which premiered at the Pan-African Film Festival in April.
“I’m so proud to have been his sister,” Tracey Dowse told CNN. “He lit the stage and the screen. He knew how to dance in life and see the joy. Something we can all learn from.”
Dowse’s representative, Siegal Company’s Sandra Siegal, recalled her client and friend in a statement Sunday.
“I am heartbroken at the loss of our brilliantly talented, beautiful, elegant, eloquent and caring Denise, whom I have blessed and guided and helped build her career for over 25 years, and a personal bond of friendship. I’m lost but I’ve gained so much by knowing her. Denise’s legacy and memory will live on forever because she really touched so many,” Siegal said.
During his decade-long career, Dowse appeared in several television series, including Charmed, Girlfriends, The West Wing, and Law and Order. According to his IMDB profile, he has also had roles in films such as Pleasantville and Requiem for a Dream.