By: Tadi Abedje

Douglas died yesterday at the age of 64. Her cousin, Angie Tee, made the announcement on Facebook in remembrance of her legendary cousin. 

“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,” she said. “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.” 

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She was born and raised in the South Side of Chicago, Illinois by a single mother and three siblings. Growing up, Douglas developed an interest in the arts and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Illinois State University. She furthered her education at the Manhattan School of Music where she received her master’s degree in music. 

Douglas went on to getting a role for the show, Tap, where she starred alongside legendary singers and dancers Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis Jr. As a result of her performance on the 1989 sitcom, she won the NAACP Image Award and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.  

According to her personal website, Douglas has some guest appearances on The Cosby Show, The Parkers, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Bull, Bones and The Good Wife. Most notably, she was known for role as Jerri Peterson on Robert Townsend’s TV show, The Parent ‘Hood.  

Douglas was a singer and composer of five singles: This I Dig Of You; I Loves You Porgy; She Never Told; No, Not No and Take It Slow. 

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Roy Jonathan Cobb and her daughter, Jordan.