Get To Know Della Reese: The Multifaceted Icon

Genevieve Fay 23 Jun 2025

Who is Della Reese? The name Della Reese may not be immediately recognizable to younger generations, but for those who grew up watching television in the 1960s and 1970s, she was a beloved and iconic figure.

Della Reese was an American singer, actress, and ordained minister. She began her career as a gospel singer in the 1950s, and went on to star in numerous films and television shows. She is best known for her role as Tess Coleman in the CBS drama series "Touched by an Angel," which ran from 1994 to 2003.

Reese was a talented and versatile performer, and her work has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. She was a pioneer for African-American women in the entertainment industry, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and career of Della Reese. We will explore her early years, her rise to fame, and her lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Della Reese

Della Reese was an American singer, actress, and ordained minister. She was a talented and versatile performer, and her work has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. Here are five key aspects of her life and career:

Early Years: Born Delloreese Patricia Early in Detroit, Michigan, Reese began singing in church at an early age.
Gospel Singer: She began her career as a gospel singer in the 1950s, and released several successful albums.
Television Star: Reese starred in numerous television shows, including "Touched by an Angel" and "The Mod Squad."
Film Actress: She also appeared in several films, including "Harlem Nights" and "The Proud Family Movie."
Minister: Reese was ordained as a minister in the 1980s, and she continued to preach and teach throughout her life.

These five aspects highlight the diverse and accomplished career of Della Reese. She was a pioneer for African-American women in the entertainment industry, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists. Reese was a talented singer, actress, and minister, and her work has touched the lives of millions of people around the world.

Born	July 6, 1931
Birth Place	Detriot, Michigan, U.S.
Died	November 19, 2017
Occupation	Singer, actress, minister
Spouse	Franklin Lett (1959-1961),Reverend William J. Witherspoon (1979-2017)

Early Years

Della Reese's early years were marked by her passion for music and her strong faith. Born in Detroit, Michigan, she began singing in church at an early age. Her gospel roots would later influence her music and her acting career.

Musical Influences: Reese's early exposure to gospel music had a profound impact on her musical style. Her powerful vocals and soulful delivery were influenced by the gospel singers she grew up listening to.
Spiritual Foundation: Reese's faith was an important part of her life from a young age. Her experiences singing in church gave her a strong spiritual foundation that would guide her throughout her career.
Community Involvement: The church was an important part of Reese's community. She was involved in various church activities, which helped her develop her leadership skills and her commitment to serving others.
Early Recognition: Reese's talent was recognized at a young age. She won several local singing competitions and performed at various events in her community.

Reese's early years laid the foundation for her successful career in music and acting. Her passion for music and her strong faith were the driving forces behind her achievements.

Gospel Singer

Della Reese's career as a gospel singer was a significant chapter in her life and had a profound impact on her overall success. Gospel music provided the foundation for her vocal abilities and stage presence, which later translated into her success as an actress and television star.

Reese's gospel roots can be heard in her powerful and soulful delivery, which was evident in her performances on both stage and screen. Her ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level was honed during her years as a gospel singer, and this skill served her well throughout her career.

In addition, Reese's experiences as a gospel singer helped her to develop a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. She was known for her professionalism and dedication, both of which contributed to her success in the entertainment industry.

Overall, Della Reese's career as a gospel singer was an essential part of her journey to becoming a successful actress and television star. Her gospel roots provided her with the vocal skills, stage presence, and work ethic that were necessary for her to achieve her dreams.

Television Star

Della Reese's success as a television star was a major turning point in her career and solidified her status as a beloved and iconic figure in the entertainment industry. Her roles in popular television shows such as "Touched by an Angel" and "The Mod Squad" showcased her versatility as an actress and her ability to connect with audiences of all ages.

Range and Versatility: Reese's television roles encompassed a wide range of characters, from the wise and compassionate Tess Coleman in "Touched by an Angel" to the tough and assertive Lieutenant Thelma Lou Edwards in "The Mod Squad." This diversity showcased her versatility as an actress and her ability to portray complex and memorable characters.
Cultural Impact: Reese's roles in television had a significant cultural impact, particularly for African-American women. Her portrayal of strong and independent female characters challenged stereotypes and inspired viewers. Reese's presence on television helped to pave the way for other African-American actresses and contributed to a more inclusive and diverse representation in the entertainment industry.
Legacy and Influence: Reese's television work continues to inspire and entertain audiences today. Her performances are characterized by their authenticity, emotional depth, and humor. Reese's legacy as a television star is secure, and her work continues to influence and inspire new generations of actors and actresses.

Overall, Della Reese's success as a television star was a testament to her talent, versatility, and cultural impact. Her performances in "Touched by an Angel" and "The Mod Squad" left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and continue to inspire audiences today.

Film Actress

Della Reese's career as a film actress was an important part of her overall success in the entertainment industry. Her roles in films such as "Harlem Nights" and "The Proud Family Movie" showcased her versatility as an actress and her ability to connect with audiences.

Reese's film roles were often characterized by their humor, heart, and social commentary. In "Harlem Nights," she played a tough-talking madam who was fiercely protective of her girls. In "The Proud Family Movie," she voiced the character of Suga Mama, a wise and loving grandmother. Reese's performances in these films demonstrated her range as an actress and her ability to bring complex and memorable characters to life.

Reese's success as a film actress also had a significant cultural impact. She was one of the few African-American actresses to achieve mainstream success in the 1960s and 1970s, and her roles helped to challenge stereotypes and pave the way for other African-American actors and actresses.

Overall, Della Reese's career as a film actress was a testament to her talent, versatility, and cultural impact. Her performances in films such as "Harlem Nights" and "The Proud Family Movie" continue to entertain and inspire audiences today.

Minister

Della Reese's ordination as a minister was a significant event in her life and career. It reflected her deep faith and her commitment to serving others. Her ministry work had a profound impact on her life and on the lives of those she touched.

Spiritual Growth: Reese's ministry work provided her with a platform to share her faith and to inspire others. She was a gifted preacher and teacher, and her sermons were known for their wisdom, compassion, and humor.
Community Involvement: Reese's ministry work was not limited to the pulpit. She was actively involved in her community, working to improve the lives of those around her. She founded several organizations dedicated to helping the less fortunate, and she was a tireless advocate for social justice.
Personal Fulfillment: Reese found great personal fulfillment in her ministry work. It gave her a sense of purpose and direction, and it allowed her to make a positive impact on the world.

Overall, Della Reese's ordination as a minister was a testament to her faith, her commitment to serving others, and her desire to make a difference in the world. Her ministry work was an important part of her life and career, and it continues to inspire others today.

FAQs on Della Reese

Della Reese was an American singer, actress, and ordained minister. She was a multi-talented performer who achieved success in various fields of entertainment. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Della Reese:

Question 1: What was Della Reese best known for?

Della Reese is best known for her role as Tess Coleman in the CBS drama series "Touched by an Angel," which ran from 1994 to 2003. She was also a successful gospel singer and released several albums throughout her career.

Question 2: When was Della Reese born?

Della Reese was born on July 6, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan.

Question 3: When did Della Reese die?

Della Reese died on November 19, 2017, at the age of 86.

Question 4: What was Della Reese's cause of death?

Della Reese died from complications of diabetes.

Question 5: Was Della Reese married?

Della Reese was married twice. Her first marriage was to Franklin Lett from 1959 to 1961. Her second marriage was to Reverend William J. Witherspoon from 1979 until his death in 2017.

Question 6: Did Della Reese have any children?

Della Reese had two children, a son named Franklin Lett Jr. and a daughter named Deloreese Lett Blanks.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Della Reese. She was a remarkable woman who made significant contributions to the entertainment industry and beyond.

Summary: Della Reese was a multi-talented performer who achieved success in music, television, and film. She was also an ordained minister and a dedicated humanitarian. Her legacy continues to inspire others today.

Transition to the next article section: Della Reese's life and career were marked by her talent, versatility, and determination. She was a pioneer for African-American women in the entertainment industry, and her work continues to entertain and inspire audiences today.

Conclusion

Della Reese was a multi-talented performer who achieved success in music, television, and film. She was also an ordained minister and a dedicated humanitarian. Her legacy continues to inspire others today.

Reese's life and career were marked by her talent, versatility, and determination. She was a pioneer for African-American women in the entertainment industry, and her work continues to entertain and inspire audiences today. Reese's story is a reminder that anything is possible if you have a dream and are willing to work hard to achieve it.

Della Reese Dead ‘Touched by an Angel’ Alum Dies at 86 Us Weekly

Della Reese AlloCiné

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Get To Know Della Reese: The Multifaceted Icon

Della Reese

Early Years

Gospel Singer

Television Star

Film Actress

Minister

FAQs on Della Reese

Conclusion

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