American actor Samuel Monroe Jr., known for his roles in several popular Black films of the 1990s, has died at the age of 52 after a prolonged battle with meningitis.
His mother, Joyce Patton, announced his death in a Facebook post, asking the family’s friends, fans and well-wishers to keep his three children and the rest of the family in their prayers.
“But today God called him home. Please honor my final request to pray for the family, especially his 3 children,” she wrote.
Monroe had been hospitalised since April while receiving treatment for several serious health complications, including meningitis and MRSA pneumonia.
According to reports, his condition deteriorated in recent months, requiring life support, dialysis and multiple brain surgeries. His family also said he suffered seizures and other complications during his hospitalisation.
Patton previously revealed that Monroe’s meningitis had gone undiagnosed for months before the infection affected his brain and spine.
Two days before his death was announced, Patton reportedly filed a petition seeking a conservatorship over Monroe while he remained hospitalised, according to court documents obtained by TMZ.
However, Monroe’s wife, Shawna Stewart, opposed the petition, stating that he had chosen her to manage his medical and financial affairs.
Monroe began his acting career in the 1993 cult classic Menace II Society. He went on to feature in several notable films throughout the 1990s, including Tales From the Hood, Set It Off, Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood and Ice Cube’s The Players Club.
Beyond his film roles, Monroe continued acting into the 2000s and 2010s, appearing in popular television series including Moesha and The Jamie Foxx Show.
He is survived by his three children.
