TV ACTORS AND ACTRESSES WHO LEFT US UNEXPECTEDLY AND TOO SOON, SALUTE!!!

It's always sad when people pass away, especially exceptionally talented people who leave this earth at a young age.  Whether it's from illnesses, accidents, or cold-blooded murder.  These 5 actors and actresses' deaths were shocking because they were unexpected.  Here's a shout out to those who we enjoyed for their great roles who left us way too soon.

Michelle Thomas, aka Myra from Family Matters

Myra Monkhouse was the character played by Michelle who was Steve Urkel's ex-girlfriend.  She played the role from 93'-98' and died unexpectedly from a rare form of stomach cancer. 

Merlin Santana, aka Romeo from "The Steve Harvey Show" and  Ohagi from "Moesha"

Merlin Santana got his start playing Rudy Huxtable's boo Stanley, on the "Cosby Show" also Ohagi who was Moesha's boyfriend on "Moesha".  Sadly, Merlin was shot six times while in his car in L.A. because a 15-year-old girl falsely accused him of raping her.  Her brother was later caught for the crime and sentenced to 3 consecutive life sentences plus 70 years. Merlin was only 26.

Lamont Bentley, aka Hakeem from "Moesha"

Hakeem was Moesha's boyfriend towards the end of the show and also played the object of Kim Parker's affection on the spin-off "The Parkers".  Lamont died in a tragic automobile accident where his car went over an embankment and he was ejected onto the highway where he was hit by 5 cars.  Bentley was 31 at the time.

Yvette Wilson, aka Andell Wilkerson from "Moesha" and "The Parkers"

Yvette Wilson who played Andell Wilkerson the owner of "The Den" which was the hangout spot of Moesha and her friends.  She also played Andell on the "Moesha" spin-off "The Parkers" who was Nikki Parker's best friend.  Yvette died at 48, from cervical cancer as well as kidney disease which she needed a transplant for and was trying to raise the money.

Bernie Mac

Bernie Mac started out playing small roles in movies but blew up big after he did "The Original Kings of Comedy".  After teaming up with Steve Harvey, DL Hughley, and Cedric the Entertainer he was offered his own television series.  "The Bernie Mac Show" was very successful, however in 2008 Mac passed away unexpectedly.  He passed away from sarcoidosis which was complicated by pneumonia at the age of 50.