Yvette Renee Wilson was an American comedian and actress. Wilson was best known for her role as Andell Wilkerson, the shopkeeper of the local hangout on the UPN sitcom Moesha ; and restaurant owner and Nikki's best friend on its spinoff The Parkers. She had appeared in many comedy films such as House Party 3, 'Friday', and on Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam. Wilson died from cervical cancer at the age of 48.
Early life
Before she started her career in the entertainment business, Wilson attended San Jose State University and majored in communications. In 1991 she was a contestant on the game show Supermarket Sweep. Wilson first entered comedy when she lost a bet and had to perform as a stand-up comedian at a friend's club. She decided to make a living off comedy and never turned back.
Career
Her big break came with Thea, a short-lived sitcom from 1993 to 1994. Thea was cancelled after 19 episodes but the show helped her get a role in House Party 3. In addition, Wilson also had a minor role in the 1995 comedy movieFriday as Smokey's blind date and appeared in films such as Poetic Justice, starring Janet Jackson, and the film parody Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood. In 1995, she got the most important role of her career: Andell Wilkerson, a supporting character on the sitcom Moesha, which starred one of her castmates from Thea, R&B singer Brandy Norwood. Wilson's Andell character was the owner of The Den, a local teen hot spot on the show. In 2000, she left Moesha for its spin-off The Parkers, where she also played as Andell Wilkerson, who was the best friend of Mo'Nique's character Nikki Parker. After The Parkers ended, she went on to appear in shows like HBO's Def Comedy Jam and Fox Network shows. Wilson final acting role was in 2005's Ganked. She started her own company by the name Tigobitties Inc.
Wilson was married to record producer Jerome Harry from 2001 until her death in 2012, when it was discovered that--unbeknownst to her--he had "neglected" to file divorce papers years earlier. Wilson suffered from kidney disease, having survived a kidney transplant and regular dialysis, but eventually lost a battle with cervical cancer, which metastasized throughout her entire body. A friend, Jeffrey Pittle, created a website for people to donate money to help with her medical bills and help with transportation costs. The website raised 56% of the $25,000 needed. Wilson died on June 14, 2012, aged 48.
