Actress Denise Dowse dies after battle with meningitis

Denise Dowse, best known for her roles in "Insecure" and "Beverly Hills, 90210" has died after a battle with viral meningitis. She was 64.

Her sister, Tracey Dowse, made the announcement Saturday on Instagram.

"I want to take this moment to thank our friends and family for all of the love and prayers," she wrote. "It is with a very heavy heart that I inform everyone that my sister, Denise Dowse, has gone forward to meet our family in eternal life."

She continued, "Denise Yvonne Dowse was the most amazing sister, a consummate, illustrious actress, mentor and director. She was my very best friend and final family member. Denise loved all of you. I know that she is watching over us with all the love she has."

Dowse was remembered by her former "Beverly Hills, 90210" co-star Ian Ziering.

"So heartbreaking to say Denise Dowse has passed away. Throughout all my years working on Beverly Hills 90210, my scenes with Denise will alwa[y]s be remembered with the utmost in respect for her talent, and fondness for the loving soul she was," the actor wrote.

He continued, "Some of my heartiest off camera laughs were between she and I hammering out the the discipline her Mrs. Teasley would dish out to my Steve Sanders. My sincere condolences to her family, and all others who she was dear to."

Tracey shared earlier this month that her sister was ill.

"I am requesting support and prayers be offered me and my sister, and my only immediate family @denisedowse," Tracey wrote on the actress' Instagram.

"She is currently in the hospital in a coma brought on by a virulent form of meningitis," Tracey continued. "Her doctors do not know when she will come out of the coma as it was not medically induced."

Tracey added that her sister was "a vibrant actor and director that should have many years ahead of her" and that "[t]houghts, prayers and support are greatly appreciated."

Most notably, Dowse played Yvonne Teasley, vice principal of West Beverly Hills High School, on "Beverly Hills, 90210" and Dr. Rhonda Pine on "Insecure." She also appeared on "The Guardian" and lended her voice to the Nickelodeon cartoon, "Rocket Power."

Dowse also had roles in "Starship Troopers," "Requiem for a Dream," "Ray" and "Coach Carter." She is set to make her feature directorial debut with "Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story," according to IMDb.

Stephanie Guerilus and Sabina Ghebremedhin contributed to this report.