30 Most Notable Black Actresses Who Died (& What Happened to Them)

As a lifelong movie fan, I’ve always been fascinated by the incredible women who built this industry. They weren’t just performers; they paved the way for so many of us who love film and TV. I recently started looking into their final days, and it’s surprisingly difficult to find clear, factual information. I wanted to put together a simple timeline of when they passed, where, and what we actually *know* about the circumstances – just the dates, locations, and reported causes, without a lot of speculation.

Hattie McDaniel

I was so saddened to learn about Hattie McDaniel’s passing on October 26, 1952, in Los Angeles. It was breast cancer that took her from us. She was such a trailblazer – the first African American performer to ever win an Oscar! Even in her final years, she continued to work in radio and generously gave her time to support efforts during the war. She was truly an amazing woman and will be remembered for her talent and kindness.

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge passed away on September 8, 1965, in Los Angeles. Authorities determined she died from an accidental overdose of her prescribed medication for depression. At the time of her death, she was working on plans to return to performing with shows at nightclubs.

Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters passed away in Los Angeles on September 1, 1977, after a long battle with heart and kidney problems. In her final years, she focused on performing with religious groups and made only a few appearances on stage.

Theresa Harris

Theresa Harris passed away on October 8, 1985, in Inglewood, California, at the age of 75. While the exact cause of death wasn’t publicized, she had stopped acting regularly many years before.

Diana Sands

I was so saddened to learn that Diana Sands passed away on September 21st, 1973, right here in New York City. It was cancer that took her, and it happened so quickly. She’d actually had to step away from a movie she was supposed to be in to focus on getting treatment, but sadly, it wasn’t enough.

Rosalind Cash

I was so saddened to hear about Rosalind Cash passing away on October 31, 1995, in Los Angeles. It was cancer, and even while she was battling it, she kept working on TV and stage – she was truly dedicated to her craft. It’s inspiring how she continued to perform even through such a difficult time.

Madge Sinclair

Madge Sinclair passed away on December 20, 1995, in Los Angeles, after a battle with leukemia. Even into the mid-1990s, she remained active, continuing to work on voiceover projects and appearing in television shows.

Roxie Roker

Roxie Roker passed away in Los Angeles on December 2, 1995, after a battle with breast cancer. Following the conclusion of her popular television series, she continued to be involved in theater and community service.

Esther Rolle

Esther Rolle passed away on November 17, 1998, in Culver City, California. Her death was caused by health problems stemming from diabetes. She had just finished working on a movie for television at the time.

Gail Fisher

Gail Fisher passed away on December 2nd, 2000, in Culver City, California. She died from kidney failure after fighting cancer. Though she’d become famous for a popular TV series, she continued to appear on television occasionally.

Juanita Moore

Juanita Moore passed away in Los Angeles on January 1, 2014, at the age of 99. Her death was due to natural causes. Even late in life, she continued to participate in and enjoy events celebrating the film industry.

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee passed away on June 11, 2014, in New Rochelle, New York, from natural causes. Even in her later years, she continued to be involved in readings, activism, and acting in films and television.

Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll passed away in Los Angeles on October 4, 2019, after a battle with breast cancer. She bravely shared her diagnosis with the public and actively worked to raise awareness about the disease.

Lena Horne

Lena Horne passed away in New York City on May 9, 2010, due to heart failure. While she had reduced her performances in her later life, she continued to receive recognition for her pioneering work in entertainment.

Clarice Taylor

I was really saddened to hear about the passing of Clarice Taylor. She died on May 30th, 2011, in Englewood, New Jersey, from heart failure. What always impressed me was that she kept working – both on stage and in television – well into her eighties. It’s a testament to her dedication and talent!

Isabel Sanford

Isabel Sanford passed away in Los Angeles on July 9, 2004, due to complications after surgery and a hospital stay. Even after her successful television sitcom run, she continued to make guest appearances on shows and participate in public events.

Della Reese

Della Reese passed away at her home in Los Angeles on November 19, 2017, after battling a long-term illness. Even while facing health issues, she continued to be active in her church and support various charities.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson passed away in New York City on January 28, 2021. The cause of her death has not been made public. Her death occurred shortly after the publication of her autobiography and a number of interviews about her life and work.

Mary Alice

Mary Alice passed away on July 27, 2022, in New York City. The cause of death was not released to the public. She had stopped acting some time before and was living a quiet, private life.

Nichelle Nichols

Nichelle Nichols passed away on July 30, 2022, in Silver City, New Mexico, due to heart failure. She became well-known in her later life for her efforts to encourage diversity in space exploration and scientific fields.

Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston passed away on February 11, 2012, in Beverly Hills, California. Her death was determined to be an accidental drowning, and contributing factors included heart disease and cocaine use. She was in town attending a music industry gathering at the time.

Naya Rivera

I was so heartbroken to hear about Naya Rivera’s death back in July 2020. It happened at Lake Piru in California, and it was determined she accidentally drowned while she was out on the lake with her son. It took several days, but search teams were eventually able to recover her body. It was a truly tragic loss.

Natalie Desselle-Reid

Natalie Desselle-Reid passed away on December 7, 2020, in Georgia after a battle with colon cancer. She had chosen to keep her illness private during her treatment.

Ja’Net DuBois

Ja’Net DuBois passed away on February 17, 2020, in Glendale, California. Her death was attributed to cardiac arrest, which was related to an existing heart condition. Before her death, she continued to connect with fans by appearing at events.

Alaina Reed Hall

Alaina Reed Hall passed away on December 17, 2009, in Santa Monica, California, after a battle with breast cancer. Even while receiving treatment, she continued to work as an actress in both theater and television.

Suzzanne Douglas

Suzzanne Douglas passed away on July 6, 2021, in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, after fighting cancer. Even while she was ill, she remained dedicated to teaching and guiding aspiring performers.

Denise Dowse

I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Denise Dowse on August 13th, 2022. It happened in Los Angeles, and it turns out she’d been in a coma due to a really serious case of meningitis. Her family had asked for privacy while she was being treated, and then they shared the news of her death. It’s just a really heartbreaking loss.

Sonya Eddy

Sonya Eddy passed away on December 19, 2022, in Burbank, California. Her death was caused by complications from an infection that developed after a routine surgery. She continued to work in television until just before she was admitted to the hospital.

Tina Turner

Tina Turner passed away peacefully at her home in Küsnacht, Switzerland, on May 24, 2023, after a long illness. She had been open about her health struggles and had stepped back from performing in recent years, but she remained a beloved and influential figure in music and culture.

Aaliyah

I was devastated to hear about Aaliyah’s tragic death on August 25, 2001. She died in a plane crash in the Bahamas, not long after taking off from a music video shoot. From what I understand, the plane was too heavy and there were issues with the pilot, which unfortunately led to the accident. It was a truly heartbreaking loss.

2025-10-16 08:46