Actors in Hollywood are mourning the loss of acclaimed actress Natalie Desselle-Reid after it was revealed she lost her battle to colon cancer on Monday morning (Dec. 7).
Brandy worked alongside Desselle-Reid in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella in 1997. The late actress took on the role of Minerva, her wicked stepsister. In a tribute to her former costar, the B7 vocalist wrote, “Rest in Paradise #NatalieDesselleReid. Sending my prayers to her family and all those that are hurting.”
Eve — whose character Shelly often sought advice from Desselle-Reid’s character Janie in the television series “Eve” — honored the actress with a touching message. “Can’t believe it. Rest in Peace @nataliedessellereid. Thank you for your light and spirit. Prayers, peace and blessings. Please pray for her family,” the caption to her post read.
Earlier in the day, just days after sharing an old video of her and Desselle-Reid on the set of B.A.P.S., Halle Berry took to Instagram to react to the news. “I’m in total shock,” she captioned a GIF from their hit film. “Completely heartbroken. Gonna need a minute. #RIP @nataliedessellereid.”
Bow Wow also had the privilege of working with Desselle-Reid in Madea’s Big Happy Family back in 2011. Following the news of her death, he tweeted, “Sending my love and condolences out to Natalie Desselle family. Had the pleasure of working with her on Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family. Sending my love.”
Desselle-Reid privately battled colon cancer after learning of her diagnosis earlier this year. She reportedly spent her last days in hospice care among her loved ones. “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.”
The statement continued, “Naturally, we are grieving and processing this profound loss, and we thank you in advance for respecting our privacy at this extremely difficult time.”
Look below to see some of the loving posts in commemoration of Desselle-Reid’s life. May she rest in peace.