She attended Peabody Magnet High School in Alexandria, graduating in 1985. After high school she studied for about two and a half years at Grambling State University. While at Grambling she became involved in theatre; she later said that starring in a university production of Bubbling Brown Sugarsparked her passion for acting.
Sources:Public records and news reports detail her birth in Alexandria and her parents’ names. Local Louisiana media note her Peabody Magnet High School graduation (Class of 1985) and attendance at Grambling State University. Her brother’s career as a TV anchor is documented by KALB news.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Natalie Ann Desselle-Reid |
| Date of Birth | July 12, 1967 |
| Date of Death | December 7, 2020 |
| Age at Death | 53 years |
| Birthplace | Alexandria, Louisiana, United States |
| Profession | Actress (Film and Television) |
| Net Worth at Death | Not publicly disclosed or officially verified |
| Breakthrough Role | Mickey in B.A.P.S. (1997) |
| Notable TV Role | Janie Egins in Eve (2003–2006) |
| Education | Attended Grambling State University (Theatre) |
Natalie Desselle-Reid during her acting career, known for standout roles in B.A.P.S. and the sitcom Eve. Natalie Desselle-Reid developed her passion for acting in Louisiana. As a student at Grambling State University she took on starring roles in stage productions (including Bubbling Brown Sugar), which inspired her to pursue a professional career. After college, she moved to Los Angeles to seek acting opportunities. To support herself while auditioning, Desselle-Reid worked a variety of jobs (including receptionist and soul food restaurant work, and even as a mechanic) before catching her first break.
Desselle-Reid’s screen career began in the mid-1990s. Her first film credit was a small role in the heist movie Set It Off(1996), directed by F. Gary Gray. This performance led directly to a guest-starring part on the family sitcom Family Matters. These early roles helped her gain visibility in Hollywood and set the stage for larger opportunities.
Her breakout came in 1997 with the comedy B.A.P.S.(Black American Princesses). Desselle-Reid co-starred as Mickey opposite Halle Berry, a role that established her reputation as a gifted comedic actress. In the same year she appeared in the Def Jam comedy How to Be a Playerand portrayed one of the stepsisters (Minerva) in Disney’s Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella(1997). During this period she also began working on television: she had a main role on the sitcom Built to Last(1997) and secured a recurring part as Eunetta on the ensemble series For Your Love(1998–2002). These film and TV roles in the late 1990s brought her wider recognition.
In the 2000s Desselle-Reid became a regular presence in comedic television and supporting film roles. From 2003 through 2006 she portrayed Janie Egins on the UPN sitcom Eve, appearing in every episode of the series. This steady role on a national sitcom highlighted her talent for comedy. At the same time, she continued to take roles in ensemble comedy films – notably, in 2011 she appeared as Tammy in Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family, one of her last feature-film performances. Throughout this period Desselle-Reid was known for bringing energy and wit to her supporting characters.
Desselle-Reid’s filmography includes a mix of comedy and drama roles. In addition to her leading comedic parts, she appeared in the cult-action film Set It Off(1996) early in her career. On television she made guest appearances that showcased her range: for example, she played the role of “Baby Girl” in an episode of Family Mattersand even appeared on the medical drama ER(2003) as herself. She also contributed voice work to animation (providing a character voice in Freaknik: The Musicalin 2010). These varied performances demonstrated her versatility as an actress beyond her well-known comedy work.
Over more than two decades Desselle-Reid built a respected body of work in film and television. Her alma mater honored her achievements when Grambling State University awarded her a posthumous Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual and Performing Arts in 2022, recognizing her impact on the performing arts. Although she did not receive major industry awards, her contributions became widely appreciated within the entertainment community. Her films, especially B.A.P.S., gained a loyal following over the years, and her peers frequently cited her dependable comic talent and professionalism.
Desselle-Reid is remembered for creating relatable, humorous characters that resonated with audiences. Colleagues and fans have noted that her performances often depicted everyday women with warmth and authenticity. In particular, her collaborations (for example, starring opposite Halle Berry and teaming with Tyler Perry) helped pave the way for more leading roles for Black women in comedy. In the wake of her passing, industry figures highlighted how Desselle-Reid’s work captured genuine aspects of African-American life and humor, cementing her influence in the genre. Her career paved the way for a generation of actresses who followed in her comedic footsteps.
In her later career Desselle-Reid continued to act in independent films and television projects. In 2013 she co-starred in the Lifetime drama A Mother’s Rageas Principal Davenport. Her last film role was in the thriller Zoe Gone(2014), where she played Delores LaFontaine. She also appeared on television in the comedy series Ya Killin’ Mein 2017, which is listed as her final credited role. These projects marked the conclusion of her prolific career before her death in late 2020.
At the time of her death, Natalie Desselle-Reid’s net worth was not publicly disclosed, and no official figure has been verified by major financial authorities. Her income primarily came from acting roles in feature films, including B.A.P.S., How to Be a Player, and Cinderella, as well as recurring roles in television series such as Built to Last, For Your Love, and Eve. However, the exact compensation she received for these projects has not been publicly reported.
She was best known for her role as Mickey in the 1997 comedy B.A.P.S.and for playing Janie Egins on the sitcom Eve. These performances established her reputation as a strong comedic actress.
Natalie Desselle-Reid died on December 7, 2020, after a battle with colon cancer. She was 53 years old at the time of her passing.
Yes, she was married to Leonard Reid. The couple married in 2003 and had three children together.
Her Last Credited Role Was In The 2017 Television Series Ya Killin’ Me. This Marked The End Of Her On-screen Acting Career.
She was widely recognized for comedic and supporting roles in both film and television. Her performances often highlighted humor and relatable character portrayals.