Royana Black — Life and Untimely Death of the 'Brighton Beach Memoirs' and 'Raising Miranda' Actress

Actress Royana Black made her debut on Broadway in "Brighton Beach Memoirs." She also played the title role in the hit sitcom "Raising Miranda."

On July 14, Black passed away in Los Angeles of acute myeloid leukemia, her family announced in her obituary. She was 47.

"Royana had an infectious smile and laugh which could light even the the darkest of days," the obituary read, adding that the actress was "a beautiful person inside and out" and that "she was truly an angel on earth."

The actress is survived by her husband John Paul Hubbell, her mother, and her brother. Black died unexpectedly, according to a GoFundMe page that was created to help the actress's husband with the expenses arising from her passing.

The description reads that the incredible energy and spirit of Black will be a part of their lives always, and that her loved ones want to remember her and help her husband at this most difficult time.

The fundraiser has raised over $54,000, more than doubling its goal of $25,000. A week after Black's passing, an update was shared on the fundraising page.

The update read that they are "equal parts humbled and shocked" at the overflow of kindness into the memorial fund.

Black took four years away from her career to get a B.A. in Victorian Literature from Yale University.

The update added that words can't show the appreciation they feel for everyone who keeps on responding to the campaign and share it with others to assist Black's husband with end of life expenses and future costs.

As reported by PEOPLE, Black was born in Poughkeepsie, New York. She was just ten years of age when she started her career on Broadway. She played the role of Laurie in Neil Simon's comedic play "Brighton Beach Memoirs."

In 1988, she took the leading role on "Raising Miranda. She also appeared in several television shows, including "Touching Evil," "The Cosby Show," and "Touched by an Angel."

According to IMDb, Black took four years away from her career to get a B.A. in Victorian Literature from Yale University. She then moved to New York City and established her first non-profit theatre company.

The company produced three shows in under two years. Black is the Artistic Director and Chair of the Alliance Repertory Company in Los Angeles.