In Memoriam : Actress Natalie Desselle Reid dies at age 53

Natalie Desselle Reid, the actress best known for her role as Mickey in the 1997 film B.A.P.S., has died. She was 53 years old.

Death details for Natalie Desselle Reid

Fellow actress Holly Robinson Peete broke the news on Monday on Twitter (Dec. 7).

“Just absolutely decimated by this news…Actress Natalie Desselle, a bright shining star passed away this morning,” she tweeted. “I got to know her when my mom was managing her. She will be so missed…sending out prayers to her children and husband. Rest In Peace, Sweet Girl.”

The Alexandria, Louisiana, native’s death was confirmed by Je’Caryous Johnson, CEO of Je’Caryous Entertainment, which had been planning a stage adaption of “B.A.P.S.”

“It is with great sadness and heavy, heavy hearts that Je’Caryous Johnson and the entire Je’Caryous Entertainment family mourns the passing of one of our own, our sweet, unforgettable actress/comedian Natalie Desselle Reid,” Johnson said in a statement to The New York Post, adding that she was “excited and ready to bring her iconic role as ‘Mickey’” while rehearsing in February and March this year.

“Immediately upon meeting and working with her, we fell in love with her undeniably witty, always giving and caring and hilariously show-stopping personality,” Johnson continued.

“The world has truly lost one of its most angelic souls here on Earth. To know Natalie was to know someone who cared for and cultivated her craft to the tee. There will never be another woman like her who so effortlessly lit up the screen, as well as any room she walked into.” He added that the company’s “family” would “celebrate the life and legacy she so fearlessly and honorably lived,” adding, “We will always love you Natalie!”

Her acting career

The actress’ cause of death was reportedly colon cancer which she had been quietly fighting since earlier this year.

Over the years, Deselle-Reid appeared in several Black films, including Set It Off Madea’s Big Happy Family, B.A.P.S., Def Jam’s How to Be a Player and
Brandy’s version of Cinderella.

She also graced the small screen, making appearances in “Built to Last,” “For Your Love,” and the UPN series, “Eve.”

Natalie Desselle Reid’s legacy

Reid is survived by her husband Leonard, whom she married in 2003, and her three children.

Unheard Voices sends its condolences to Natalie’s family and loved ones during this time.