Tanya Kersey Cause of Death: Hollywood Black Film Festival Founder Dead at 61

By Alexandria Reeves

What was Tanya Kersey's cause of death?

Kersey's daughters Monique Love and Brittany Love and sister Lisa M. Kersey confirmed the heartbreaking news on Facebook.

In a post shared by Monique Love, she confirmed that the matriarch died peacefully while surrounded by her loved ones. She also disclosed that she had been battling multiple health issues before her passing.

"my mom has been battling multiple health issues for many years with dignity and grace. Although we will miss her dearly, we find solace that she is no longer in pain. She is now in perfect peace with her Mom & Dad," she wrote.

Meanwhile, Lisa said that her sister died on July 18. Although the event was heartbreaking, it soothes them knowing that Kersey is no longer in pain.

Monique Love also divulged the news to The Hollywood Reporter, detailing that Tanya Kersey's cause of death was cardiac arrest. She reportedly passed at a hospital in Rancho Cucamonga, California.

It remains unknown whether the health issues she faced led to her death.

Her bereaved family received heartfelt messages from Hollywood personalities and internet users.

Tina Andrews wrote, "So, so sorry to hear about the passing of Tanya Kersey--Founder of The Hollywood Black Film Festival. Tanya was a force of nature, and a watchful, helpful presence for the African American creative community. RIP warrior woman. You shall be missed."

This beautiful woman and trailblazer @tanyakersey passed away 2 days ago.

She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones. She had been battling multiple health issues for many years with dignity and grace. Although she…https://t.co/pdJcj6nVHA https://t.co/BOApDOgofR
— Paula Lauzon | Mother of Jacob (@LauzonPaula) July 20, 2022

Tanya Kersey's Contributions To The Industry

As many people mentioned, Kersey offered them life-changing advice while she worked in the industry.

Among her works, the establishment of the Hollywood Black Film Festival in 1998 was the biggest project she ever launched. The event was created to celebrate Black cinema by bringing together talents and indie creatives.

In its early years, it scored the name "Black Sundance." So far, it already screened more than 1,000 independent films from the U.S. and 25 other countries.

Several A-listers and famous personalities joined the event for Hollywood's Black community, including Tim Story, Sidney Poitier, Forest Whitaker, Ice-T, Blair Underwood, Sanaa Lathan, Debra Martin Chase, Antwone Fisher, and Bill Duke.

Outside the event, Kersey also landed roles in several operas like "Guiding Light," "All My Children," and "Search for Tomorrow." She also famously released the book "Black State of the Arts: A Guide to Developing a Successful Career as a Black Performing Artist" in 1991.