Actress Denise Dowse died at the age of 64 Announced By her Sister : Dowse’s passing was announced Saturday on her Instagram account by older sister Tracey Dowse, who praised her sibling as “the most amazing sister, a consummate, illustrious actress, mentor and director. She was my very best friend and final family member.”
Actress Denise Dowse, best known for her roles on Beverly Hills, 90210 and more recently HBO’s Insecure, has died at the age of 64 after a battle with meningitis. Dowse fell into a coma earlier this month caused by a “virulent form of meningitis”. Her sister Tracey first shared news of Dowse’s health on Facebook on August 6.
In Beverly Hills, 90210, Dowse played the role of Vice Principal Yvonne Teasley.
During her long and illustrious television career, she has also appeared in Grey’s Anatomy, Seinfeld, Full House, The West Wing and Buffy the Vampire Slayer and starred in hit films including Ray and Requiem for a Dream and Coach Carter.
Recently, she had a recurring role in the drama Uncertain, where she played Dr. Rhonda Pine. Denise Yvonne Dowse was born in Honolulu on Feb. 21, 1958. Her father had a career in the U.S. Navy. Meanwhile, her mother taught school.
For 18 years, Dowse taught acting and directed plays at the Amazing Grace Conservatory, a weekend performing arts school for students ages 8-18 in inner city Los Angeles.
