Suzzanne Douglas, an actress known for her role as Jerri Peterson on the WB’s The Parent ‘Hood, has died. She was 64.
Douglas’ family members confirmed her death Tuesday evening in a Facebook post.
“Suzzanne Douglas a beautiful and talented actress made her transition today. She warmed our hearts on movie screens and television sets all over the world. This beautiful soul was my cousin,” read the post, which included several photos of the actress. An official cause of death was not revealed.
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Douglas’ most recent role was as Grace Cuffe in Netflix’s 2019 miniseries When They See Us, in which she played the mother of one of the characters.
As news spread of her death, celebrities reacted on Twitter, including Ava DuVernay who directed Douglas in When They See Us.
DuVernay wrote on Twitter: “Suzzanne Douglas was a quiet, elegant force as we made WHEN THEY SEE US. A gentlewoman. A gem of a lady. A confident, caring actor who breathed life into the words and made them shimmer. I’m grateful that our paths in this life crossed. May she journey on in peace and love.”
The actress’ fellow The Parent ‘Hood co-star Robert Townsend tweeted: “My heart is full because yesterday I lost my amazing dancing partner on TV for 5 years Suzanne Douglas. We did “work”on The Parent ‘Hood. I just remember a lot of laughter and a lot of tears… her regal bright light will be missed.”
Before stepping into television and film in the 1980s, Douglas performed on Broadway in productions including “Into the Woods,” “Threepenny Opera” and “The Tap Dance Kid.”
After several years of guest appearances on episodes of The Cosby Show and ABC Afterschool Specials among other shows, Douglas landed her first major television role in The Parent ‘Hood opposite Townsend which ran from 1995 to 1999.
Her notable film roles included Tap, The Inkwell, Jason’s Lyric, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, and School of Rock.
Douglas is survived by her husband and daughter.
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