Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actor passes away aged 55

American actor and dancer Galyn Gorg has passed away aged 55 after a short battle with cancer.

The entertainer, who appeared in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air opposite Will Smith in 1996, died just one day before her 56th birthday on July 14.

Galyn Gorg appears opposite Will Smith in Fresh Prince
Galyn Gorg who played Helena in a 1996 episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air has died. Photo: NBC

The tragic loss was announced by the star’s sister on Facebook, and details shared on a public GoFundMe set up on Thursday to fundraise for the actor’s funeral.

“Galyn Gorg was and is huge part of our family, she means so much to every one of us,” the GoFund Me page reads.

PARSIPPANY, NJ - APRIL 25:  Galyn Gorg attends the 2014 Chiller Theatre Expo at the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel on April 25, 2014 in Parsippany, New Jersey.  (Photo by Bobby Bank/WireImage)
Galyn Gorg passed away aged 55 on July 14 2020. Photo: Getty Images

“She was diagnosed with cancer throughout her entire body and lungs. The doctors claimed she only had days maybe a week to live, and after remaining optimistic and praying for a miracle, she has sadly passed.”

“We were unaware of just how sick she was as the diagnosis was a shock to the entire family,” the statement continues.

“We hastily bought tickets to Oahu without a second thought, as she was getting treatment there. Since spending a great deal of time and money, we are now looking for donations for funeral services”

The family remembered her as “filled with generosity, love, kindness, forgiveness, and compassion”.

A long-standing screen actor

Galyn Gorg plays Helena in Boxing Helena a 1996 episode of Fresh prince of Bel-Air opposite Will Smith
Galyn was a consistent present on TV screens from the early 1980's through to 2021. Photo: NBC

Galyn was an accomplished screen actress, appearing in a string of acclaimed series and film from the 1980’s through to a project due to come out in 2021.

Notable roles included her appearance as Helena in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in 1996 and her role as Nancy O'Reilly in Twin Peaks.

She also had roles in RoboCop 2, Stark Trek, Xena Warrior Princess and Lost.

She appeared in the first-ever black superhero program broadcast to television, M.A.N.T.I.S in 1994 playing Lt. Maxwell.

Galyn was born in California, but raised in Hawaii.

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