Samuel Monroe Jr. has died at 52 after months of serious health problems. The actor built a memorable career through films including Menace II Society, Set It Off, and Tales From the Hood. His death comes just days after a family dispute over who should control his medical and financial decisions entered court.
The Menace II Society star passes away at 52 following a battle with meningitis
Monroe’s mother, Joyce Patton, confirmed his death to TMZ. She said the actor died Wednesday night at a hospital.
Patton also announced the news on Facebook. She thanked people for praying for her son and asked them to continue supporting his three children.
The Samuel Monroe Jr. cause of death followed a lengthy battle with meningitis, according to his family. Monroe entered the hospital in April with severe meningitis and MRSA pneumonia.
His family previously said he first contracted meningitis while working in Las Vegas. Shawna Stewart, who has described herself as Monroe’s wife, alleged that multiple hospitals failed to diagnose the infection for months.
His condition later worsened. Monroe underwent brain surgeries and dealt with seizures, brain swelling and kidney problems during his hospitalization.
News that Samuel Monroe Jr. died arrives amid a separate family legal dispute. Earlier this week, Patton petitioned for a conservatorship and questioned whether Monroe and Stewart had ever legally married.
Patton also alleged that Stewart controlled money from a GoFundMe and Monroe’s film residuals. Stewart denied misusing his money and challenged Patton’s claims. She maintained that Monroe wanted her to oversee his finances and medical decisions.
A court had appointed an attorney to represent Monroe’s interests before his death. The dispute had not reached a resolution.
Monroe began his screen career with 1993’s Menace II Society. He later appeared in Tales From the Hood, Set It Off, Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood, and The Players Club.
He also earned television credits on NYPD Blue, Murder One, Smart Guy, and Southland.
