Eve star Natalie Desselle has passed away at 53-years-old after privately battling colon cancer.
The B*A*P*S actress died Monday morning while surrounded by family and in hospice care, according to a family member who spoke to TMZ.
Desselle was diagnosed earlier this year and kept her health struggle out of the public eye.
The family offered a statement which said: ‘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.’
RIP: Eve star Natalie Desselle has passed away at 53-years-old after privately battling colon cancer
‘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.’
Natalie was remembered for playing Halle Berry’s sassy sidekick Mickey in the 1997 comedy B*A*P*S.
Mourning her former castmate’s loss, Berry shared a shot of the duo in the film on Instagram Monday and wrote: ‘i’m in total shock. completely heartbroken. #RIP @nataliedessellereid.’
She was also on the sitcom Eve playing the leading lady’s married pal Janie Egins from 2004 to 2006.
No stranger to a TV spot, she had guest roles on ER, Yes, Dear, Built To Last and Family Matters, among others.
Deselle also made her mark as evil step-sister Minerva in the 1997 ABC TV musical version of Cinderella, starring Whitney Houston, Brandy, Whoopi Goldberg, Bernadette Peters, Jason Alexander and Victor Garber.
Other big screen credits include How to Be a Player, Set It Off, Divas, and Gas.
Natalie is survived by husband Leonard, who she married in 2003, and three children.
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Dynamic duo: Natalie was remembered for playing Halle Berry’s sassy sidekick Mickey in the 1997 comedy B*A*P*S
Heartbroken: Mourning her former castmate’s loss, Berry shared a shot of the duo in the film on Instagram Monday
Less than a day before her passing the star shared an inspiring message on her Instagram
‘We will miss your talent sis’: Viola Davis also paid tribute
Less than a day before her passing the star shared an inspiring message on her Instagram, posting a graphic that said: ‘Sunday is the perfect day to refuel your soul and to be grateful for each and every one of your blessings.’
The caption added: ‘Remember, you are Blessed! Refuel your Soul. #begrateful.’
Holly Robinson Peete reacted online, tweeting: ‘Just absolutely decimated by this news… Actress Natalie Desselle, a bright shining star passed away this morning.
‘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.’
Peete and Deselle worked on the NBC sitcom For Your Love together, with Deselle appearing as recurring character Eunetta.
Shad Moss AKA Bow Wow wrote: ‘Sending my love and condolences out to Natalie Desselle family. Had the pleasure of working with her on Tyler Perrys “Madea Big Happy Family” sending my love.’
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