‘The Parent Hood’ Actress Suzzanne Douglas Passes Away at 64

Suzzanne Douglas, best known for her roles in The Parent ‘Hood and When They See Us, passed on Tuesday, leaving the acting community in mourning.

Roland Martin broke the news first on Twitter, and family members verified it on Facebook.

Douglas’ cousin named Angie Tee wrote: “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.

She continued: “I can remember growing up, there weren’t very many Black actresses who had starring roles but there was my cousin with the lead role in Tap starring alongside great dancers such as Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis Jr. She also performed with Angela Bassett and Whoopi Goldberg in How Stella Got Her Groove Back. The Inkwell, Jason’s Lyric and so much more the list goes on. The world will miss your talent but your soul will live on forever Rest in Paradise my beautiful cousin Suzzane you will be missed RIP.

Veteran, award winning actress, Suzzanne Douglas played “Rebecca”, Denise’s friend on ‘The Cosby Show’, who was able to talk Denise into going back to college! pic.twitter.com/LgFpQJoWCF

— The Hillman Files (@thehillmanfiles) July 7, 2021

Douglas was born on the South Side of Chicago and nurtured in public housing with her three brothers by her single mother, according to Essence. She had an early interest in the arts and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and a master’s degree in music from the Manhattan School of Music.

I woke up this morning to the news that Suzzanne Douglas has passed away. I worked with Suzzanne in the film Inkwell. She was an elegant, gentle warm spirit. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. May she rest in love. pic.twitter.com/fBUf3coIVb

— Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapsmith) July 7, 2021

RIP to one of the prettiest TV moms, Suzzanne Douglas! 🖤🕊 pic.twitter.com/IhHLzd34zj

— 🗝 (@DiaryOfKeysus_) July 7, 2021