Denise Dowse of Beverly Hills, 90210 fame dies after meningitis battle

Honolulu, Hawaii - Actor Denise Dowse, best known for her role as Mrs. Yvonne Teasley on the TV series Beverly Hills, 90210, has passed away.

Denise Dowse also played Principal Garrison in the film drama Coach Carter.
Denise Dowse also played Principal Garrison in the film drama Coach Carter.  © imago/Everett Collection

Her sister Tracey Dowse published the sad news in a post on The Guardian star's Instagram account. "It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform everyone that my sister Denise Dowse has gone ahead to meet our family in eternal life," she wrote, thanking everyone for their great sympathy.

She continued,"Denise Yvonne Dowse was the most amazing sister, an accomplished, famous actress, mentor and director. She was my very best friend and last family member."

Dowse was 64 years old at the time of her passing.

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A few days ago, Tracey had already announced that her sister was in a coma with a severe contagious form of meningitis, and friends and family had not wanted to give up hopes that Denise would make a full recovery.

However, she has now lost the fight against the serious illness.

Fellow actors comment on Dowse's passing

In the comments of the Instagram post announcing Dowse's death, numerous fans said goodbye to the famed actor.

Her one-time Beverly Hills, 90210 co-star Ian Ziering (58) also wrote: "This is insanely heartbreaking." He said he had worked with Denise over the years with the utmost respect for her talent and loving spirit. "My sincere condolences go out to her family and everyone else she cared about."

Actresses Angela Elayne Gibbs (68) and Sonya Eddy (55) also responded with loving messages, with Eddy saying she was "one of the most generous, loving and gentle people" she had ever met. "I'm so glad I was able to meet her," Gibbs affirmed.

Cover photo: Collage: IMAGO / Everett Collection/Screenshot/Instagram/denisedowse

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