Halle Berry is devastated by news that her B.A.P.S. co-star, Natalie Desselle-Reid, passed away following a battle with colon cancer.
On Monday (Dec. 7), Berry took to Instagram to share a throwback GIF of the two women from their hit movie. “I’m in total shock,” she captioned the post. “Completely heartbroken. Gonna need a minute. #RIP @nataliedessellereid.”
Just a few days ago, Berry posted a throwback video of herself with Desselle-Reid as they were on set filming. The two women were walking down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California and talking about which stores they were going to shop at. In the clip, Desselle-Reid said that it was her first time being on Rodeo before the pair said that they were going to head to Tiffany & Co. for jewelry.
According to TMZ, the late actress was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this year. She spent the finals days of her life in hospice care surrounded by family and friends. “It is with extremely heavy hearts that we share the loss of our beautiful Natalie this morning,” read an official statement from her family. “She was a bright light in this world. A queen. An extraordinary mother and wife.”
Desselle-Reid acted in several prominent Black films over the years, including How to Be a Player, Madea’s Big Happy Family and the Brandy and Whitney Houston version of Cinderella. She also made appearances on “Eve,” “Built to Last” and “For Your Love.”
Several celebrities took to social media to send their condolences. Bow Wow starred alongside Desselle-Reid in Madea’s Big Happy Family. “Sending my love and condolences out to Natalie Desselle family,” he tweeted. “Had the pleasure of working with her on Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family. Sending my love.”
Holly Robinson Peete tweeted, “Just heard the passing of #NatalieDesselleReid. She was beyond kind and I’m grateful we were able to share a few conversations together. I stand on her shoulders and I will make sure to always remind people of her legacy and contribution to this industry.”
Our prayers and thoughts continue to go out to the family and friends of Desselle-Reid. Check out Berry’s post below.