Retired actress Dalyce Curry, known for her roles in The Blues Brothers, The Ten Commandments, and Lady Sings the Blues, has tragically passed away at 95 due to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Curry’s remains were discovered by her great-granddaughter days after the fire consumed her Altadena property, a historically black community.
“About an hour ago the coroner confirmed her remains were indeed found at the property. #RIPMOMMADEE 🕊️,” Curry’s great-granddaughter, Dalyce Kelley, shared in a heartfelt Facebook post on Sunday, January 12. “We had a great run. She impacted my life in so many ways. This loss is devastating.”
Kelley, who affectionately called her great-grandmother “Momma D,” recounted that she had dropped Curry off at her home late Tuesday evening, unaware of the destruction that lay ahead. The next morning, Kelley rushed to the area to check on her grandmother but was stopped at a barricade, where a police officer informed her that the property had been completely destroyed.
Desperate to locate Curry, Kelley searched the Pasadena Civic Center, where displaced residents were being sent, but could not find her.
Curry appeared as a background actress in the iconic church scene of The Blues Brothers. This electrifying sequence features James Brown as Reverend Cleophus James leading a lively gospel choir and congregation in an unforgettable performance of “The Old Landmark.” The scene, set in a spirited church filled with dancing and cheering attendees, marks the moment when Jake (John Belushi) has his epiphany to “get the band back together.” Curry’s presence added to the energy and vibrancy of one of the film’s most celebrated moments.
“She was very active,” Curry’s granddaughter Loree Beamer-Wilkinson told ABC7. “You would not think she was 95.”
Curry leaves behind a legacy not only as a talented actress but also as a beloved family matriarch. Known for her spirited personality and impact on her loved ones, she will be deeply missed.
As of Sunday, January 12, the Los Angeles wildfires have claimed the lives of at least 24 people, with countless others displaced from their homes. The tragic loss of Dalyce Curry underscores the devastating human toll of these fires.
In Memoriam
Dalyce Curry’s contributions to cinema and the lives of those who knew her will not be forgotten. May her memory serve as a reminder of the resilience and beauty she brought to the world.
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