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Home · Celebrity

In Remembrance: A Rundown Of Natalie Desselle Reid's Most Iconic Roles

The actress passed away today at the age of 53.
In Remembrance: A Rundown Of Natalie Desselle Reid’s Most Iconic Roles
By Brooklyn White · Updated May 31, 2022

Earlier today we reported on the untimely passing of well-known television and film actress Natalie Desselle Reid. She passed away from colon cancer, the same illness that claimed the life of Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman in late August.

The actress had appeared on-screen since 1996 in movies like B*A*P*S and Cinderella, and was loved by fans for her snappy humor. Since the news of her death broke, there has been an outpouring of love from industry insiders, fellow actors and fans.

Halle Berry, who starred in B*A*P*S with Desselle Reid, shared a gif of the two hugging, saying, “I’m in total shock… completely heartbroken. gonna need a minute.” Just three days ago, Berry had shared a behind the scenes video from the film that showed the two hanging out and having a good time.

I’m in total shock… completely heartbroken. gonna need a minute. #RIP @NatalieDesselle pic.twitter.com/Amt2k2ZYM7

— Halle Berry (@halleberry) December 7, 2020

Netflix’s Jasmyn Lawson, a TV executive, shared that she had wanted to host Desselle Reid on the streaming services’s franchise Strong Black Legends, a popular podcast during which Black actors and actresses get their flowers. “I reached out to Natalie Desselle-Reid exactly one year ago to book her for Strong Black Legends,” Lawson wrote on Twitter. “She was one of the most requested guests. She didn’t respond (I assumed she wanted privacy). But hopefully, she knows that we considered her a LEGEND.”

I reached out to Natalie Desselle-Reid exactly one year ago to book her for Strong Black Legends. She was one of the most requested guests. She didn't respond (I assumed she wanted privacy). But hopefully, she knows that we considered her a LEGEND πŸ™πŸΎπŸ™πŸΎ pic.twitter.com/ag0gQw3Myg

— Jasmyn (@JasmynBeKnowing) December 7, 2020

Danielle Brooks of Orange Is the New Black spoke out about Desselle Reid via social media as well. “She was beyond kind and I’m grateful we were able to share a few conversations together,” Brooks said. “I stand on her shoulders, and I will make sure to always remind people of her legacy and contribution to this industry.”

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. πŸ•Š 😒

— Danielle Brooks (@thedanieb) December 7, 2020

Keep scrolling to see some of Desselle Reid’s best-remembered television and movie roles.

01
Set It Off (1996)
Desselle Reid had a brief role as Talika in the beginning of the film.
In Remembrance: A Rundown Of Natalie Desselle Reid’s Most Iconic Roles
02
B*A*P*S (1997)
The actress had a starring role as Mickey, alongside Halle Berry, in the Robert Townsend directed film.
In Remembrance: A Rundown Of Natalie Desselle Reid’s Most Iconic Roles
03
Cinderella (1997)
We all remember Desselle Reid’s portrayal of Minerva, one of the step-sisters, in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.
In Remembrance: A Rundown Of Natalie Desselle Reid’s Most Iconic Roles
04
Def Jam’s How to Be A Player (1997)
Desselle Reid nabbed a leading role in How to Be a Player, as Jenny, a woman determined to teach her philandering brother (Bill Bellamy) a lesson.
In Remembrance: A Rundown Of Natalie Desselle Reid’s Most Iconic Roles
05
Built to Last (1997)
Desselle Reid was cast as Tammy Watkins in Built to Last, a show about a family running a construction business.
In Remembrance: A Rundown Of Natalie Desselle Reid’s Most Iconic Roles
06
Eve (2003-2006)
The actresses longest-running television stint was on the early 2000’s sitcom Eve. She played Shelly’s (Eve Jeffers) married best friend, Janie.
In Remembrance: A Rundown Of Natalie Desselle Reid’s Most Iconic Roles
07
Madea’s Big Happy Family (2011)
The star also was featured in Tyler Perry’s comedy film, Madea’s Big Happy Family. She played the role of Tammy.
In Remembrance: A Rundown Of Natalie Desselle Reid’s Most Iconic Roles
TOPICS:  celebrity deaths Natalie Desselle-Reid
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