Black Actresses Who Tragically Died by Suicide

The entertainment industry has often been marked by stories of immense talent and profound tragedy involving prominent Black women. While many actresses find success in front of the camera, the pressures of fame and the challenges of mental health can sometimes lead to devastating outcomes. This list remembers several Black actresses whose lives were cut short by suicide leaving behind legacies that continue to impact fans and the industry today. By examining their careers and the circumstances of their deaths, we can better understand the importance of mental health advocacy and support within the creative community.

Cheslie Kryst

Cheslie Kryst gained national prominence after winning the Miss USA title in 2019 and working as a correspondent for the entertainment news program ‘Extra’. She made cameo appearances as herself in popular television series like ‘Empire’ and other major network productions while pursuing a career in law and social justice reform. Her sudden passing in 2022 occurred after she fell from a high rise residential building in Manhattan. The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner officially ruled her death a suicide following a detailed investigation. Her family later shared that she had been privately managing depression for several years before her death.

Simone Battle

Simone Battle first rose to fame as a finalist on the first season of the American version of ‘The X Factor’ in 2011. She later became a member of the girl group G.R.L. and pursued acting roles in projects such as the film ‘Lottery Ticket’ and the series ‘Zoey 101’. Her career was on an upward trajectory following the release of successful music and film projects before she was found dead in her West Hollywood home in 2014. The Los Angeles County Coroner office determined that her cause of death was suicide by hanging. Her passing sparked widespread conversations about the importance of mental health support for young performers in the music and film industries.

Phyllis Hyman

Phyllis Hyman was a singer and actress who earned a Tony Award nomination for her performance in the Broadway musical ‘Sophisticated Ladies’. She expanded her acting portfolio with roles in films like the Spike Lee production ‘School Daze’ and the action movie ‘The Killers’. Despite her professional success and critically acclaimed voice she struggled with bipolar disorder and substance abuse throughout her life. In 1995 she was found unresponsive in her New York apartment just hours before she was scheduled to perform at the Apollo Theater. Medical officials confirmed her death was a suicide and notes were discovered at the scene expressing her exhaustion from her ongoing mental health struggles.

Stephanie Adams

Stephanie Adams was a model and actress who appeared in films such as ‘The Life of a Comic’ and various commercial projects. She was recognized as the first woman to come out as a lesbian in a major men’s lifestyle magazine during the early 2000s. Her career included writing several self help books and managing her own wellness and beauty brands while navigating highly publicized legal battles. In 2018 she died in a tragic incident at a hotel in New York City alongside her young son. Authorities and medical examiners concluded that her death was a suicide after she jumped from a twenty fifth floor window.

Please share your thoughts and memories of these talented women in the comments.