Marva Hicks has had multiple acting roles on stage and screen. She played Rafiki on Broadway in “The Lion King.” She was also part of the original cast of “Caroline, Or Change” and acted in “Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music.” On TV, she was T’Pel on “Star Trek: Voyager.” She also had roles on multiple episodes of “Sister, Sister” and “Mad About You.” Other credits include “House of Cards,” “Daredevil,” and “Madam Secretary,” just to name a few.

Hicks life and career are officially over. Tanya Young Williams, a representative for Hicks, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that Hicks has died. She was in New York City at the time of her death. She was 66 years old. A cause of death was not mentioned.

Her husband, Akwasi Taha, shared the following statement from Hicks’ family, “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 remain 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.”

Upon hearing the news of her death, Holly Robinson Peete expressed her condolences on social media.

Many other social media posts express shock and sadness at Hicks’ unexpected death.

Besides her acting career, Hicks was also a musician. In 1991, she released her self-titled debut album which included the single “Never Been in Love Before.” During her music career, she toured the world and performed duets with both Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson.

Hicks was originally from Petersburg, Virginia. She attended Howard University before launching her career. She is survived by her husband and other family members.

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