The award-winning Broadway actress and singer Marva Hicks died on September 16th, 2022 in New York City, her representative Tanya Young Williams confirmed in a statement. Hicks was 66. The cause of death of the performer has not been disclosed.
Marva Hicks was a talented and accomplished singer and actress with a successful career spanning several decades. She was a multi-talented performer who won over fans on both stage and screen.
Who was Marva Hicks?
Marva Hicks was an American singer and actress, best known for her work on Broadway and in the R&B music industry. She was born on May 5, 1956, in Petersburg, Virginia, USA.
Hicks began her career as a backup singer for artists such as Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, and Michael Jackson. In 1983, she signed a recording contract with Polydor Records and released her debut album, “Marva Hicks,” which included the hit single “One Good Reason.”
She was also known for recurring roles on ‘Star Trek: Voyager’ and ‘Sister, Sister,’ in addition to a singing career.
In addition to her music career, Hicks has also had success on Broadway. She made her Broadway debut in 1986 in the musical “The Wiz” and went on to appear in productions of “Dreamgirls,” “Jelly’s Last Jam,” “Smokey Joe’s Cafe,” and “Caroline, or Change.”
She also performed as Rafiki in “The Lion King”, as an understudy for the leading actress. Her other Broadway credits also included “Motown: The Musical”, and “Lena Horne, The Lady and Her Music”.
Marva won the Helen Hayes Award for her stage work on three occasions.
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Marva Hicks’ Cause of Death
Petersburg native Marva Hicks’ death was announced by her husband, Akwasi Taha, and her family in a statement to .
“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 a 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.”
Originally from Petersburg, Virginia, Hicks graduated from Howard University and went on to enjoy a career that spanned almost four decades.
The cause of death of the broadway actress was not shared publicly.
Her close friend and fellow actress Holly Robinson-Peete paid homage to Hicks on Twitter and sent condolences to her family.
“Rest in Heavenly Eternal Peace, Sis,” Robinson-Peete tweeted.
Remembering my friend singer, composer, actress and #Broadway star Marva Hicks 💔💔💔💔💔🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Sending prayers to her sweet loving husband Akwasi Taha- (my college buddy) and to everyone who loved Marva…
We will miss you so much.
Rest In Heavenly Eternal Peace, Sis…🕊🕊 pic.twitter.com/Cp7Ryn4Oih— Holly Robinson Peete 💃🏾♍️ (@hollyrpeete) September 18, 2022
The actress is survived by her husband and other family members.