African-American Actresses Who Died Before They Turned 35

The entertainment industry has been shaped by numerous talented African-American women whose careers were tragically cut short. These actresses made significant impacts through television, film, and music, leaving behind legacies that continue to resonate with fans today. While their time in the spotlight was brief, their contributions helped pave the way for future generations of performers. This list honors those who showed immense promise and talent before passing away at a young age.

Aaliyah

Aaliyah Dana Haughton was a prominent R&B singer and actress who died in a plane crash in 2001. She made her feature film debut in ‘Romeo Must Die’ as Trish O’Day alongside Jet Li. Shortly before her death, she completed filming for the supernatural horror movie ‘Queen of the Damned’ in the title role. She was also cast as Zee in the sequels to ‘The Matrix’, though her role was eventually recast following her passing. Her career was cut short at the age of 22 during the height of her success.

Naya Rivera

Naya Rivera gained international fame for her portrayal of Santana Lopez on the musical comedy-drama series ‘Glee’. Her performance earned her critical acclaim and several awards, particularly for her portrayal of complex LGBTQ+ themes. Before her breakout role, she appeared as a child actress in the sitcom ‘The Royal Family’. She also had recurring roles in ‘The Bernie Mac Show’ and ‘Step Up: High Water’. Rivera tragically passed away at age 33 in a drowning accident in 2020.

Michelle Thomas

Michelle Thomas was a versatile actress best known for her roles in popular 1990s television sitcoms. She gained recognition as Justine Phillips on ‘The Cosby Show’ before landing the iconic role of Myra Monkhouse on ‘Family Matters’. Thomas also appeared in ‘The Young and the Restless’ as Callie Rogers Stark shortly before her passing. Her career was tragically shortened when she died of a rare form of cancer in 1998. She was 30 years old at the time of her death.

Tara Correa-McMullen

Tara Correa-McMullen was a rising talent known for her recurring role as Graciela Reyes on the drama series ‘Judging Amy’. She also appeared in the film ‘Rebound’ alongside Martin Lawrence. Her career began to flourish when she was cast as a gang member in the television series, showcasing her range as a dramatic performer. In a tragic turn of events, she was the victim of a gang-related shooting in 2005. She was only 16 years old at the time of her death.

Simone Battle

Simone Battle was an actress and singer who first gained national attention as a finalist on the first season of ‘The X Factor’. She appeared in the television series ‘Zoey 101’ and the film ‘We the Party’. Battle was also a member of the girl group G.R.L., which was intended to be a follow-up to the Pussycat Dolls. Her burgeoning career ended prematurely when she passed away in 2014. She was 25 years old at the time of her passing.

Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes

Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes was a founding member of the legendary R&B group TLC and an actress. She appeared in the film ‘House Party 3’ and had guest spots on television shows like ‘Living Single’ and ‘Cousin Skeeter’. Lopes also contributed to various music videos and documentaries that showcased her unique artistic vision. Her life and career were cut short following a car accident in Honduras in 2002. She died at the age of 30.

Bobbi Kristina Brown

Bobbi Kristina Brown was the daughter of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, and she sought to follow in her parents’ footsteps. She made appearances in the reality series ‘The Houstons: On Our Own’ and had a recurring role in the sitcom ‘For Better or Worse’. Her public life was often scrutinized, but she maintained a presence in the media through her family’s legacy. She passed away in 2015 after being found unresponsive in her home. She was 22 years old at the time.

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