Broadway ‘Lion King’ and ‘Star Trek’ Actress Passes Away at 66

(Photo credit: Facebook)

Marva Hicks, the award-winning actress and singer, has passed away at age 66 in New York City. Reps for the trailblazing star confirmed the news. Although rumors about complications from a previous car accident are circling around, a cause of death has not been revealed. Her husband Akwasi Taha and her family also released a statement:

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our dear Marva Hicks Taha. Our beloved wife, family member and friend will be greatly missed and remains marvelous in our hearts forever. The love she had for her husband, family, friends and entertainment community knew no bounds. We have been deeply touched by the incredible outpouring of love. Thank you for your compassion and prayers. Memorial arrangements will be announced in the coming days.”

Born on in Petersburg, Virginia, Hicks graduated from Howard University and began her career as a gospel singer. She scored her biggest chart hit with the single “Never Been in Love Before,” which peaked at number seven on the R&B charts in 1991. She went on to release two more singles and, in 1996, performed as a background singer for Michael Jackson in a concert at the Jerudong Park Amphitheatre in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. She also collaborated with Stevie Wonder and toured with Whitney Houston, James Ingram, and Sheryl Crow.

(Marva and Michael Jackson / Photo credit: Instagram)

She was a three-time winner of the Helen Hayes Award, which is presented for theater excellence in the Washington, D.C. area.

She appeared in the 1999 film “Asunder,” starring legendary actor, Blair Underwood. The thriller, which was directed by Tim Reid, was the first movie produced by Reid’s New Millennium Studios.

Hicks made her Broadway debut in 1981’s Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music. Her other Broadway credits include Motown: The Musical, The Lion King, and Caroline or Change. She is a three-time winner of the Helen Hayes Award for her stage work.

Her TV work started in the early 1990s when she appeared in the legal drama L.A. Law. She later landed recurring roles in the sitcoms Mad About You and Sister, Sister. Hicks also portrayed the character T’Pel on Star Trek: Voyager from 1995 to 2000. Her more recent credits include Search Party, The Blacklist, and Madam Secretary.

Close friend and fellow actress Holly Robinson-Peete paid homage to Hicks on Twitter and sent condolences to her family.

“Rest in Heavenly Eternal Peace, Sis,” Robinson-Peete tweeted.

Some of Marva’s songs and collaborations with other artists are still being sung now. Check out them out below:

Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire Hicks family.

(Photo credit: Facebook)