Samuel Monroe Jr., the actor known for his roles in classic ‘90s films such as Menace II Society, The Player’s Club and Tales From The Hood, has died following a prolonged hospitalization. He was 52.

Monroe Jr.’s mother, Joyce Patton, confirmed his death early Thursday morning in a Facebook post.

“I want to thank all of my facebook family and friends new and old for praying for Samuel Monroe, Jr., my son,” Patton wrote. But today God called him home. Please honor my final request to pray for the family especially his 3 children.”

What health issues did Samuel Monroe Jr. have?

Monroe Jr. had initially contracted meningitis while working in Las Vegas. The disease had worsened after several hospitals had misdiagnosed his condition.

In April, he was hospitalized for an extended period of time after the meningitis had spread to his brain and spine, leading to MRSA pneumonia and kidney issues, according to Complex and Page Six.

However, the Los Angeles native’s health had taken a turn for the worse. In July, he suffered more than 20 back-to-back seizures, which led to brain swelling and undergoing three brain surgeries.

In early August, Monroe Jr. was placed on life support in a medically induced coma, per Page Six.

Monroe Jr. television and film credits

His acting career began in 1992 when he played Dion in the NBC sitcom “Out All Night.” Since then, Monroe Jr. has landed roles in several prominent Black films.

In addition to his breakout role in “Menace II Society,” he also appeared in other television and movie roles such as Tales From The Hood (1995), “Murder One” (1995), Set It Off (1996), “NYPD Blue” (1996), “Smart Guy,” The Player’s Club (1998), Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996) and more, Page Six reported.

His last acting role was in the 2025 drama film, Big Packz.

The court petition Monroe Jr.’s mother filed against his alleged wife

Before his death, Monroe Jr.’s mother had taken legal action against his alleged wife, Shawna Stewart. In early August, Patton filed a petition asking a judge to place her son under conservatorship and give her full decision-making authority, according to TMZ.

Patton questioned the legitimacy of the couple’s marriage, stating that Monroe Jr. had not lived with Stewart for more than 15 years. Instead, she said he was living with her for the past four years.

She also accused Stewart of taking funds from a GoFundMe campaign to pay bills and other expenses. Stewart responded to the allegations, saying, “Well, we will be fighting in court then. Everything will come out” she told the outlet.

Monroe Jr. is survived by his alleged wife, their three children and his stepdaughter.