Denise Dowse, known for roles on Insecure, Beverly Hills, 90210 and more, is now in a coma after contracting a particularly difficult strain of meningitis.
Page Six reports that Dowse’s sister Tracey wrote about Dowse’s illness on Instagram, explaining how she is reaching out to the public despite being a private person.
“I am requesting support and prayers be offered me and my sister @denisedowse,” she wrote. “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. She is a vibrant actor and director that should have many years ahead of her. Thoughts, prayers and support are greatly appreciated.”
View this post on Instagram
Dowse played two characters on Beverly Hills, 90210, Mrs. Yvonne Teasley and Professor Harriet Welkman.
Dowse has many other film and TV credits, including Rugrats, Judging Amy, Girlfriends, Rocket Power, Nip/Tuck, The Guardian, Charmed, All of Us, Shark, Secrets and Lies and Good Trouble.
Insecure fans might also know her as Dr. Rhonda Pine, and fans of Snowfall might remember her character, Mrs. Mosley. She also lended her voice to the podcast series Bronzevile. Dowse’s last role before her illness was in the 2022 film, A Cloud So High.