US actress Denise Dowse has died at the age of 64. The sad news was shared by her sister, Tracey, on the actress-director's Instagram.
Sad news from her sister
"It is with a heavy heart that I announce to everyone that my sister Denise Dowse has passed away," she wrote. Dowse was "the most wonderful sister, an accomplished, famous actress, mentor and director". She was also Tracey Dowse's "best friend and last family member".
Denise Dowse was last in a coma
A few days earlier, Tracey Dowse had announced in an Instagram post that her sister was in a coma in the hospital, "caused by a contagious form of meningitis". "Her doctors do not know when she will come out of the coma as it was not medically induced," she said. "She is a vibrant actress and director who should have many years ahead of her. Thoughts, prayers and support are greatly appreciated."
"Beverly Hills, 90210" colleague Ian Ziering remembers Denise Dowse
Now, Tracey Dowse let the actress' fans know that she was "so grateful for all the calls, texts, direct messages and silent prayers for my sister". Without the prayers "we wouldn't have made it so easily and painlessly".
Denise Dowse is best known for her role as Yvonne Teasley on the cult series Beverly Hills, 90210. Between 1990 and 2000 she appeared in 23 episodes. She also embodied the judge Rebecca Damsen in the series "The Guardian - Retter mit Herz" and Dr. Rhonda Pine in "Insecure". Dowse was also in front of the camera for numerous films, including "Ray" and "Coach Carter".
Many fans and stars said goodbye to the actress under the Instagram post. For example, Beverly Hills, 90210 collaborator Ian Ziering commented, "In all the years that I've been on 'Beverly Hills, 90210', my scenes with Denise are always brought to me with the utmost respect for her talent and affection for her remember the loving soul she was." So he laughed heartily with her when he wasn't filming.
