Marcia DeRousse, a 70-year-old native of Doniphan, Missouri, and University of Missouri graduate, passed away on September 2, 2023, in Altadena, California, where she had resided for some time.
Born and raised in Doniphan, Missouri, Marcia DeRousse moved to Los Angeles in 1980 with her mother, where she quickly immersed herself in acting, simultaneously teaching in the Pasadena public school system.
Her early career in acting began with a chance meeting with the legendary Billy Barty, which led to her first screen credit in the 1981 film Under The Rainbow.
During the 1980s, Marcia DeRousse established herself as a steady working television actor, making guest appearances on popular shows such as The Fall Guy, St. Elsewhere, and numerous other television programs.
In the following decade, her next big screen credit came with the unconventional film Tiptoes, opposite Michael J. Anderson.
However, it was her recurring role as Dr. Ludwig from 2009 to 2014 in HBO's True Blood that truly showcased her talent and left a lasting impression on audiences.
Her final film appearance was in D.J. Caruso's The Disappointments Room, alongside Kate Beckinsale, where she played the role of Miss Judith.
Despite her diminutive stature of 4'4", Marcia DeRousse was an outspoken and dynamic individual with a sharp wit and a strong personality.
An animal lover, Marcia was particularly fond of cats, and her home was often filled with stray felines that she had taken in and cared for.
She was also a passionate advocate for the rights and opportunities of disabled actors, particularly those in the senior community, and was a close friend and mentor to the late Zelda Rubinstein.
Marcia DeRousse is survived by her loving family, friends, and the numerous cats that she had rescued and cared for over the years.
