Actress Denise Dowse, best known for her roles in Beverly Hills 90210 and HBO’s Insecure, is currently in a coma fighting severe meningitis, her sister, Tracey Dowse, said.

Tracey uploaded an Instagram post informing the public that Denise is in a coma that was caused by meningitis. The actress has been at the hospital fighting for her life against the deadly disease.

“As many of you have seen, my posts have been positive and uplifting. I am trying to keep my spirits up and support those who need it. As many of you know, I am a private person. So this is hard for me. I am requesting support and prayers be offered [to] me and my sister @denisedowse. She is currently in the hospital in a coma brought on by a virulent form of meningitis,” she wrote.

Tracey added that doctors said they’re unsure when her sister will wake up from the coma as it was “not medically induced.”

“Her doctors do not know when she will come out of the coma as it was not medically induced,” she said.

The CDC reported that meningitis is a “disease caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges.” Symptoms of the disease include headaches, fever, nausea, a stiff neck, vomiting, confusion, and sensitivity to bright light, among other things.

Denise is known for various TV and movie roles, including therapist Dr. Rhonda Pine on Insecure (2017 – 2021), and vice principal Mrs. Teasley on Beverly Hills, 90210 (1991–2000). She also played Judge Rebecca Damsen on the CBS drama The Guardian (2001 – 2004) and Principal Garrison in the 2005 film Coach Carter.

In addition, Denise directed the film Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story (2022), which tells the story of prolific African American gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. The 64-year-old was last publicly seen promoting the movie at the Pan African Film and Arts Festival in April. At the time, it appeared as if she’d lost a significant amount of weight and was using a walker, but she was still all smiles.

“She is a vibrant actor and director that should have many years ahead of her,” Tracey said about her sister’s talent. “Thoughts, prayers and support are greatly appreciated.”