Denise Dowse could use every prayer you have at the moment.
The 64-year-old is currently hospitalized in a coma… as she fights a severe form meningitis, her sister shared on social media on August 7.
I am requesting support and prayers be offered me and my sister, and my only immediate family Denise Dowse,” Tracey Dowse wrote on her sister’s Instagram and Facebook page this week.
The message continued as follows:
“She is currently in the hospital in a coma brought on by a virulent form of meningitis.
“Her doctors do not know when she will come out of the coma as it was not medically induced.”
Dowse first rose to fame as Mrs. Yvonne Teasley on the beloved 1990s teen drama Beverly Hills, 90210.
She also portrayed Judge Rebecca Damnsen on the CBS drama The Guardian from 2001-2004 … and Dr. Rhonda Pine on the HBO comedy Insecure from 2017-2020.
Tracey went on to describe herself as a “private person,” who felt a need to speak out amid this extremely challenging time.
“As many of you have seen, my posts have been positive and up lifting [sic]. I am trying to keep my spirits up and support those who need it,” she wrote on social media.
Of her well-known sibling, Tracey added:
“She is a vibrant actor and director that should have many years ahead of her. Thoughts, prayers and support are greatly appreciated.”
In the wake of this tragic news, a number of Denise’s friends and fans left comments of well wishes on her sister’s post, including her former co-star Ian Ziering, who wrote:
“Sending prayers and hopes for better days ahead.”
Former NBA player Stephen Howard also remarked on the post, writing:
“Sending love, prayer and hugs to one of my favorites.”
In addition to her numerous small screen credits, Dowse has starred in a number of movies — including the 2004 musical drama Ray… the 1998 teem dramedy Pleasantville… and 2000’s Requiem for a Dream
In the latter, she played the mother of Marlon Waynes’ character, Tyrone.
The ailing actress is also directing the upcoming historical biopic Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story, which stars Keith David, Corbin Bleu, Vanessa Williams and Columbus Short.
We wish her the very best.
