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America's Got Talent star and mother to Oscar nominee Alice Tan Ridley dies at 72 after health battle Have YOU got a story? Email [email protected] By SONIA HORON FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 01:50 BST, 10 April 2025 | Updated: 01:50 BST, 10 April 2025 e-mail View comments Singer Alice Tan Ridley, who's the mother of Oscar nominee Gabourey Sidibe, has died at 72.
Ridley, who appeared on NBC's America’s Got Talent in 2010, passed away on March 25 in New York. Her death was confirmed by her family, including Precious star Gabourey , 41, in an obituary published by Sconiers Funeral Home. No cause of death was announced, but the star retired in 2018 when she reportedly began suffering from dementia, according to the Hollywood Reporter .
She began her career as a special needs teacher in Brooklyn. Later, after a divorce and becoming a single mother, she turned to singing for tips in the subway. This singer entertained New York City subway riders for years with her gospel and R&B repertoire, performing beloved songs like I Will Always Love You, I Will Survive, and My Heart Will Go On.
Singer Alice Tan Ridley, who's the mother of Oscar nominee Gabourey Sidibe, has died at 72; pictured on America’s Got Talent in 2010 Ridley, who appeared on NBC's America’s Got Talent, passed away on March 25 in New York; Pictured with her daughter, Precious star Gabourey, 41, in 2009 She gained recognition by winning $25,000 on the 2002 pilot of Fox's 30 Seconds to Fame and later competing on Showtime at the Apollo in 2005. Additionally, she performed Amazing Grace in David LaChapelle's documentary Rize and America the Beautiful in the film Heights. Read More Gabourey Sidibe and husband Brandon Frankel celebrate fourth wedding anniversary with throwbacks In 2010, her audition for America’s Got Talent with At Last propelled her to the semifinals.
Ridley released her debut album, Never Lost My Way, at the age of 63 in September 2016. After singing 'Good Feeling,' which was featured in Buick and Royal Caribbean Cruises commercials, and touring, she ultimately returned to performing in the subway. Her performances reached a larger audience through YouTube videos.
Aside from daughter Gabourey, she is also survived by son Ahmed Sidibe, both from her marriage to Ibnou Sidibe, which ended in divorce. She is also survived by brothers James D. Ridley and Tommy Lee Cherry; sisters Julia Van Mater-Miller and Mildred Ridley Dent; two grandchildren and other extended family.
No cause of death was announced, but the star retired in 2018 when she reportedly began suffering from dementia, according to the Hollywood Reporter; Alice pictured in 2016 She began her career as a special needs teacher in Brooklyn. Later, after a divorce and becoming a single mother, she turned to singing on the subway (pictured on the subway) In 2010, her audition for America’s Got Talent with At Last propelled her to the semifinals Ridley released her debut album, Never Lost My Way, at the age of 63 in September 2016; seen with Gabourey in 2011 Alice's death comes a year after her daughter Gabourey welcomed twins, son Cooper and daughter Maya, with husband Brandon Frankel. In March, the pair celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary.
The couple, who met on a dating app, got engaged in 2020 and married the following year. After three years of marriage, they announced they were expecting last February. The American Horror Story alum — who underwent weight loss surgery back in 2017 — debuted her baby bump at a baby registry event in Beverly Hills, where the couple picked out baby clothes, a double stroller, and a baby carrier.
Following the event, the actress shared the exciting news on Instagram. 'I'm pregnant! We thought it was time to give our cats some responsibility so we're giving them each a baby to take care of,' she wrote. 'Double the babies, double the cats, double the fun!! Twin Delivery coming soon! Twinty Twinty Four!!' Gabourey is best known for her 2009 film, Precious, where she played Claireece 'Precious' Jones.
She received an Oscar nomination for her performance; pictured in a still Gabourey had previously revealed that she secretly married Brandon during a 2022 appearance on Live With Kelly And Ryan. Shortly after, Brandon confirmed on Instagram that they'd been married since March 2021. Gabourey is known for her acting debut in the 2009 film Precious, where she played the lead role of Claireece 'Precious' Jones.
She received an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for the role. Share or comment on this article: America's Got Talent star and mother to Oscar nominee Alice Tan Ridley dies at 72 after health battle e-mail Add comment Comments 0 Share what you think No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.
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