American actress, Natalie Desselle-Reid, known for her roles in movies like Eve, Tyler Perry’s ‘Madea film’ and B*A*P*S, has died after a battle with colon cancer at 53. She kept her illness private.

The veteran comic actress passed away Monday morning. A family member tells TMZ she died of colon cancer after having been diagnosed earlier this year. 

TMZ.com further reports that she was in hospice care in her final days, and was surrounded by family when she died.

An official statement reads, “It is with extremely heavy hearts that we share the loss of our beautiful Natalie this morning. She was a bright light in this world. A queen. An extraordinary mother and wife.”

Her colleague, actress Holly Robinson Peete also shared the news via her social media account, she wrote, “Just absolutely decimated by this news. Actress Natalie Desselle, a bright shining star passed away this morning. 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”

Natalie was perhaps best known for her sidekick role opposite Halle Berry in the 1997 comedy film “B*A*P*S” in which she played the hilarious role of Mickey. She also starred on the sitcom “Eve” for three years, playing Janie Egins as well as having starred in Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Big Happy Family” as Tammy.

Her other big-screen credits include: How to Be a Player, Set It Off, Divas, Gas, among many others.

Natalie leaves behind her husband, Leonard, and three children.