The Tragic Death Of Natalie Desselle-Reid

After a quiet journey with colon cancer, actor Natalie Desselle-Reid has tragically passed away at age 53. The unfortunate news was shared via the star's Instagram account on Dec. 7, 2020, with the message reading in part, "She was a bright light in this world. A queen. An extraordinary mother and wife. Her diverse career touched so many and she will be loved forever. Naturally, we are grieving and processing this profound loss and we thank you in advance for respecting our privacy at this extremely difficult time." 

Reid is probably best known for her roles in the series Eve, as well as the hit comedy B.A.P.S. with fellow Hollywood heavy hitter, Halle Berry. In the film, Desselle-Reid plays a Georgia native waitress by the name of Mickey, a character who somehow finds herself caring for an elderly millionaire on his sprawling estate in Los Angeles. Let the hijinks ensue! Reid also starred in a racially diverse rendition of the Disney classic Cinderella in which she played the role of Minerva, one of Cinderella's evil stepsisters. 

Sadly, Desselle-Reid leaves behind a husband, Leonard, as well as three children: Sereno, Summer, and Sasha. The star also touched many lives, as evidenced by the reactions on social media, which we share below.

Just one day before her death, Natalie Desselle-Reid shared a touching message on Instagram. "Sunday is the perfect day to refuel your soul and to be grateful for each and every one of your blessings," the graphic read. She accompanied the image with a caption of her own, writing, "Remember, you are Blessed! Refuel your Soul," along with a yellow heart emoji.

Upon hearing the news, many colleagues and celebs alike took to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to the actor. Desselle-Reid's manager, Dolores Robinson, wrote a heartfelt message on Twitter. "Natalie was a bright light," she said. "She was an amazing actress and comedienne but also an awesome mother & wife." Robinson's daughter, Holly Robinson Peete, echoed her mothers sentiments in a post. "Just absolutely decimated by this news...Actress Natalie Desselle, a bright shining star passed away this morning," the actor said. "I got to know her when my mom was managing her. She will be so missed...sending out prayers to her children and husband. Rest In Peace, Sweet Girl."

Our hearts and thoughts go out to the friends and family of Desselle-Reid during this difficult time.

Natalie Desselle-Reid's former B.A.P.S. co-star Halle Berry was also deeply saddened by the star's death. The two co-starred in the movie about two aspiring entrepreneurs intent on making their dreams come true, no matter what. They even move all the way to Los Angeles in an attempt to make the money needed to start their own all-in-one hair salon and food restaurant. During the course of their mission they find themselves becoming caretakers for an elderly millionaire, someone with whom they end up developing a very special bond.

As reported by USA Today, Berry, was "in total shock" and "completely heartbroken once she learned the news." Berry also took to Instagram to process her thoughts and emotions. Along with a video of her and her fellow actress hugging while on set, Berry penned the caption, "Completely heartbroken. gonna need a minute. #RIP"

In an eerie coincidence, Berry had posted a similar video of the two shopping on Rodeo Drive only four days prior to Desselle-Reid's death. One user commented, "You do know there is a whole generation of us that are obsessed with this movie," to which Berry simply responded, "I do and I love you all for that. this film is very dear to my heart."

As you may recall, Natalie Desselle-Reid is not the only celebrity to pass away from colon cancer in 2020. As reported by People, talented actor Chadwick Boseman also passed away from the disease in August 2020 after his hard-fought four-year battle. He was 43 years old. Boseman was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer in 2016 and continued to fight as it eventually progressed to stage four. During that time, he continued to do what he loved: act. A statement delivered via Instagram read: "A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy." Absolutely amazing.

People also reported that colon cancer cases in younger adults are on the rise. During an interview with the New York Times, Rebecca L. Siegel, the scientific director of surveillance research at the American Cancer Society, theorized that systemic racism could have something to do with the rise in deaths. "It's because of later-stage diagnosis, it's because of systemic racism and all that this population has been dealing with for hundreds of years," she said. The American Cancer Society now recommends that all adults over the age of 45 get routine colon cancer screenings.