Natalie Desselle

After acquiring a love of theatre while at college, Natalie Desselle-Reid caught her first break in 1996, appearing in the well-received urban action drama "Set It Off," as well as guest-starring in an episode of the popular sitcom "Family Matters." The next year, she landed roles in a few more movies and starred in the sitcom "Built to Last," which unfortunately was canceled after only a few episodes were aired. Luckily, the full-figured Desselle-Reid was already enjoying exposure from the film comedy "B*A*P*S," starring Halle Berry and directed by rising star Robert Townsend, and "How to Be a Player," in which she played Jenny, sister of the title lothario. She also appeared in the '97 made-for-TV adaptation of "Cinderella" starring Brandy Norwood, and closed out the decade with the supporting role of Eunetta in the sitcom "For Your Love."

During the 2000s, she worked in films, guest-starred in an episode of the popular drama "ER," and played the married lead character in "Eve," a television show about clothing designers trying to balance careers and love. In 2011, she landed the role of Tammy, a mother who is having problems with her husband and two children, in "Madea's Big Happy Family," directed by Tyler Perry. Natalie Desselle died on December 7, 2020 at the age of 53.