Actress Royana Black Dead at 47 Following Leukemia Battle

Former Broadway star Royana Black died of leukemia on July 14. The 47-year-old previously starred in the sitcom Raising Miranda.

Actress Royana Black is being remembered by friends and family after dying from complications caused by leukemia.

Her husband John "J.P." Hubbell's sister wrote on a GoFundMe that the 47-year-old died "very suddenly" of acute myeloid leukemia on July 14. "Royana's incredible energy and spirit will be a part of our lives forever, and her friends and family want to remember her and assist her husband, JP, at this most difficult time," the statement read.

In her long career, the star worked alongside the likes of Matthew Broderick on the Broadway play Brighton Beach Memoirs, a role she held for 10 years.

She went on to land the lead in the 1988 CBS sitcom Raising Miranda, with James Naughton playing her father.  

In the years following, the Yale graduate appeared in guest roles on numerous shows, including Medium and The Cosby Show.

Her family wrote in an obituary, "Royana had an infectious smile and laugh which could light even the the darkest of days. She was a beautiful person inside and out. She was truly an angel on earth."

Royana is survived by J.P., her husband of 11 years, who is described in the GoFundMe as "equal parts humbled and shocked" by the outpouring of support from friends and fans. 

They write, "JP continues with the struggle of getting a handle on the everyday things that must be done in the midst of such soul wracking grief... Words cannot express the gratitude we feel to each and every person who continues to so graciously respond to this campaign, and share it with others to help JP with end of life costs, and future expenses."