The 'When They See Us' director remembers her late star in a touching tribute shortly after the actress passed away at the age of 64 following complications from cancer.
- Jul 8, 2021
AceShowbiz - Director Ava DuVernay has paid a touching tribute to actress Suzzanne Douglas following her death on Tuesday (06Jul21).
The star, 64, passed away at her home in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts after suffering complications from cancer, her husband confirmed to TMZ.
DuVernay was among the first to react to the news, taking to Twitter to remember the veteran actress, who played Grace Cuffee in the acclaimed Netflix mini series "When They See Us".
"Suzzanne Douglas was a quiet, elegant force as we made WHEN THEY SEE US," the director tweeted. "A gentlewoman. A gem of a lady. A confident, caring actor who breathed life into the words and made them shimmer."
"I'm grateful that our paths in this life crossed. May she journey on in peace and love."
Actress Rosanna Arquette added her tribute as she commented on DuVernay's post, writing, "Such Beautiful work. may she rest in power and peace. (sic)"
Douglas was also known for her role in 1990s TV sitcom "The Parent 'Hood", and for the 1989 film "Tap", alongside Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis, Jr., as well as 1998's "How Stella Got Her Groove Back", in which she starred opposite Angela Bassett and Whoopi Goldberg.
The sad news was first confirmed by her cousin. "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 wrote on Facebook. "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."
