Actor Natalie Desselle-Reid tragically passes away after painful illness

Los Angeles, California - Natalie Desselle-Reid has passed away. According to TMZ, the 53-year-old died on Monday, after she lost her battle with cancer.

Natalie Desselle-Reid was only 53 years old.
Natalie Desselle-Reid was only 53 years old.  © Imago Images / MediaPunch

The Madea actor was diagnosed with colon cancer at the beginning of 2020 and had kept her illness private ever since.

She spent her final days in hospice care and was surrounded by her family as she took her last breath.

"It is with extremely heavy hearts that we share the loss of our beautiful Natalie this morning. She was a bright light in this world. A queen. An extraordinary mother and wife," said an official statement on behalf of her family.

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Hollywood star Halle Berry (54) is also mourning the loss of an old friend. The two met in 1997, when they worked together in the set of B.A.P.S. On Instagram, Berry shared a picture of Desselle-Reid along with a moving tribute in which she explained what their friendship had meant to her.

Halle Berry pays tribute to her friend on Instagram

"Natalie taught us love, joy and humor through her characters ... With her I laughed harder than I'd ever laughed before. She showed us it was ok to be goofy and funny while still being sincere and extraordinarily kind ... I'll love you forever my sweet friend," a grieving Halle Berry wrote.

Natalie Desselle-Reid leaves behind a husband and three children.

Cover photo: Imago Images / MediaPunch

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