On September 20, Marva Hicks, a singer and performer best known for her work on the television series Star Trek: Voyager and the motion pictures “The Lion King” and “Motown: The Musical,” went suddenly at the age of 66.
According to a statement from her agency Tanya Young Williams, Hicks passed away on Friday in New York City, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Her cause of death has not yet been made public.
“We announce the demise of our beloved Marva Hicks Taha with heavy hearts. We will mourn our darling wife, family member, and friend dearly, but she will always be wonderful in our hearts “In a statement provided to The Hollywood Reporter, her family and husband Akwasi Taha made a statement. “She had an unconditional love for her spouse, her family, her friends, and the entertainment industry. The overwhelming display of love has greatly moved us. I appreciate your kindness and prayers.”
Hicks, who was raised in Petersburg, Virginia, attended Howard University where he graduated before beginning a forty-year career.
She began her career as a musician and issued her self-titled debut album in 1991, which included the song “Never Been in Love Before.” Hicks would later tour the globe and perform duets with Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder.
Among other theatrical works, she has appeared on Broadway in Motown: The Musical, The Lion King, Caroline or Change, and Lena Horne, The Lady at Her Music. She has won three Helen Hayes Awards for her stage performances, and this year she appeared in the Alliance Theatre production of Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous.
Hicks has recurrent roles as T’Pel on “Star Trek: Voyager” and appeared in four episodes each of “Mad About You” and “Sister, Sister.” Other TV appearances include ones on “House of Cards,” “Daredevil,” “Madam Secretary,” and “Search Party.”
