R.I.P.- “TheParent ‘Hood” Legend Suzanne Douglass Dies, Co-Star Robert Townsend Pays Homage

Posted On : July 7, 2021
Suzzanne Douglas; cast of “The Parent ‘Hood”

Very heartbreaking news to share I Love Old School Music family. Suzzanne Douglas, the actress best known for her role in the nineties sitcom, “The Parent ‘Hood” has passed away. She was 64 years young.

Suzanne is also widely known for her roles in films like “How Stella Got Her Groove Back”; “Tap,” alongside the late Gregory Hines; and most recently for her role in the hit Netflix biopic, “When They See Us.”

Many of her loved ones have spoken out about her death, including her husband, her cousin, and former “Parenthood” co-star, Robert Townsend.

Suzanne’s husband confirmed that she passed away on June 6, 2021:

Via TMZ- The veteran actress’ husband tells TMZ … Suzzanne died Wednesday at her home in Martha’s Vineyard from complications of cancer. Her husband said, “Her energy and creativity will be missed by all.”

Suzzanne’s cousin Angie Tee posted a heartwarming tribute to her on Facebook. Angie said, “She warmed our hearts on movie screens and television sets all over the world. … 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.”

Angie said Suzzanne “also performed with Angela Bassett and Whoopi Goldberg in ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back.’ ‘The Inkwell,’ ‘Jason’s Lyric’ and so much more the list goes on. 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.”

Robert Townsend somberly took to Twitter to express his sadness:

“My heart is full ,because yesterday I lost, my amazing dancing partner on TV for 5 years Suzanne Douglas. We did “Work”on THE PARENT’HOOD.I just remember a lot of laughter and a lot of tears… her regal bright light will be missed…, Townsend wrote.”


Though most of us primarily know Suzanne’s TV and film work, she was also a force to be reckoned with on Broadway as well.

In the midst of all of the groundwork Suzanne Douglass has made throughout her career, in 1989 she earned the accolade of garnering an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her lead role in “Tap.”

May this queen rest in peace and power after a life well served here on earth.

About I Love Old School Music

We salute the incredible people and beautiful memories of that "old school". We’re not saying that every artist and every facet of the soul era was perfect, but the artists’ contributions to soul music and the old school memories of that particular time are PRICELESS.