Theresa Merritt was a talented and versatile actress who starred in many theatrical productions, films, and television shows. She is best known for her role as Eloise “Mama” Curtis in the sitcom That’s My Mama, and as Aunt Em in the 1978 film adaptation of The Wiz. She also earned a Tony Award nomination for her performance as Ma Rainey in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. But behind her successful career, Merritt was fighting a deadly disease that eventually claimed her life. Here is the story of Theresa Merritt’s cause of death and how she bravely faced her illness.
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The Diagnosis: Skin Cancer
According to Wikipedia, Merritt was diagnosed with skin cancer in 1992, when she was 70 years old. Skin cancer is a type of cancer that develops from the cells of the skin, and it can be caused by various factors, such as exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, genetic mutations, or immune system disorders. There are different types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The symptoms and treatments vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer.
Merritt did not reveal what type of skin cancer she had, or how she discovered it. However, she did not let her diagnosis stop her from pursuing her passion for acting. She continued to appear in various projects, such as the Broadway play Mule Bone in 1991, the film Voodoo Dawn in 1991, and the television show Law & Order in 1997.
The Treatment: Surgery and Chemotherapy
Merritt underwent surgery and chemotherapy to treat her skin cancer, according to The Celebrity Deaths. Surgery is a common treatment for skin cancer that involves removing the tumor and some surrounding tissue. Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Chemotherapy can be given orally, intravenously, or topically. Both surgery and chemotherapy can have side effects, such as pain, bleeding, infection, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, or skin changes.
Merritt endured these treatments for six years, hoping to overcome her disease. She also received support from her family and friends, who admired her courage and resilience. She was married to Benjamin Hines since 1945, and they had four children together. She was also an honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority since 1977.
The Death: June 12, 1998
Unfortunately, Merritt’s treatments were not enough to cure her skin cancer. She died on June 12, 1998, at the age of 75, in The Bronx, New York City. Her death was confirmed by her son Kevin Hines, who said that she passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side.
Merritt’s death was mourned by many fans and colleagues who appreciated her talent and personality. She was remembered as a trailblazer for African American women in the entertainment industry, a versatile performer who could sing, dance, and act with equal skill, and a warm and generous person who touched many lives.
Merritt’s legacy lives on through her work and her family. She left behind a rich body of work that spans over five decades and showcases her range and versatility. She also left behind four children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren who inherited her spirit and talent. Theresa Merritt’s cause of death was a tragic loss for the world of art and culture, but she will always be remembered as a star who shone bright on stage and screen.
