Inside Suzzanne Douglas' Cancer Battle, Late Actress Shared Empowering Post Months Before Tragic Death
Suzzanne Douglas, an accomplished actress known for her roles in The Parent ‘Hood and When They See Us, passed away on Tuesday, July 6, after battling two life-threatening cancers.
While it has not yet been confirmed as to whether Douglas died from her cancers, she previously opened up about her health battle while encouraging others to not miss out on life just because of their illnesses. On January 23, the How Stella Got Her Groove Back actress took to Facebook to share her powerful message, just months before she died.
"Don’t let poor health interrupt your purpose. God’s mission and plan for our lives takes our being committed to our mind, body and soul," Douglas wrote at the time. "Come and hear how two life threatening cancers changed my life, and the persons practices and wellness techniques used in my journey towards being made whole," she added.
In addition to Douglas, who died at age 64, publicly raising awareness, she attended many events to speak about her cancer journey, according to survivornet.
OK! reported that Douglas' cousin, Angie Tee, shared the heartbreaking news of the late actress' death via a Facebook statement. “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,” the post read.
“The world will miss your talent but your soul will live on forever Rest in Paradise my beautiful cousin Suzzanne you will be missed RIP,” Tee's statement concluded.
The mother-of-one — who shares daughter Jordan with neuro-radiologist husband Roy Jonathan Cobb — was born in Chicago and raised in public housing with her three siblings, according to Essence. She earned her bachelor's degree from Illinois State University before she went on to receive her master's from Manhattan School of Music.
Douglas made her on-screen debut in the 1981 film Purlie, a TV adaptation of the Broadway musical. Eight years later, she won herself an N.A.A.C.P. Image Award for her role in Tap. Douglas is best known for her character Jerri Peterson on the WB series The Parent ‘Hood, which ran from 1995-1999.
