Della Reese: Talented Singer And Acclaimed Actress

Bernardo Kirlin 24 Jun 2025

Who was Della Reese?

Della Reese was an American singer, actress, and ordained minister. She was best known for her role as Tess in the CBS drama Touched by an Angel, and for her hit songs "Don't You Know" and "And That Reminds Me."

Reese was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1931. She began her career as a singer in the 1950s, and released several hit singles, including "Don't You Know" and "And That Reminds Me." In the 1960s, she began acting, and appeared in several films and television shows, including The Mod Squad and Chico and the Man.

In the 1990s, Reese landed her most famous role, as Tess in the CBS drama Touched by an Angel. The show was a critical and commercial success, and ran for nine seasons. Reese's performance as Tess earned her an Emmy Award nomination and a Golden Globe Award.

Reese was also an ordained minister, and she founded the Understanding Principles for Better Living Church in Los Angeles. She was a strong advocate for social justice and equality, and she used her platform to speak out against racism and discrimination.

Della Reese

Singer: Reese was a successful singer, with several hit singles to her name.
Actress: Reese starred in several films and television shows, including Touched by an Angel.
Minister: Reese was an ordained minister, and she founded her own church.
Activist: Reese was a strong advocate for social justice and equality.
Icon: Reese was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and beyond.

Reese's career spanned over six decades, and she achieved success in a variety of fields. She was a talented singer, actress, and minister, and she used her platform to speak out for social justice and equality. Reese was a true icon, and her legacy will continue to inspire others for years to come.

Birth Name	Della Reese
Birth Date	July 6, 1931
Birth Place	Detroit, Michigan
Death Date	November 19, 2017
Death Place	Los Angeles, California
Occupation	Singer, actress, minister
Known For	Touched by an Angel, "Don't You Know," "And That Reminds Me"

Singer

Della Reese's success as a singer was a major component of her overall success as an entertainer. Her hit singles, such as "Don't You Know" and "And That Reminds Me," helped to make her a household name and paved the way for her successful acting career.

Reese's singing career also had a positive impact on her personal life. She used her platform to speak out on social issues and to promote equality and justice. She was also a role model for other African-American singers, and her success helped to break down racial barriers in the music industry.

Overall, Della Reese's success as a singer was a major factor in her overall success as an entertainer and activist. Her hit singles helped to make her a household name, and her platform allowed her to speak out on important social issues.

Actress

Della Reese's success as an actress was a major component of her overall success as an entertainer. Her starring role in the CBS drama Touched by an Angel made her a household name and helped to solidify her status as an icon.

Reese's performance as Tess in Touched by an Angel was critically acclaimed, and she earned an Emmy Award nomination and a Golden Globe Award for her work on the show. The show was a major success, and it ran for nine seasons. Reese's portrayal of Tess was a powerful and inspiring one, and it helped to raise awareness of social issues such as poverty, homelessness, and addiction.

Reese's success as an actress also had a positive impact on her personal life. She used her platform to speak out on social issues and to promote equality and justice. She was also a role model for other African-American actresses, and her success helped to break down racial barriers in the entertainment industry.

Minister

Della Reese's work as a minister was a major component of her overall success as an entertainer and activist. Her ordination as a minister gave her a platform to speak out on social issues and to promote equality and justice. She used her position to help others, and she founded her own church, Understanding Principles for Better Living Church, in Los Angeles.

Reese's work as a minister was also a source of inspiration for her music and acting. Her songs often contained messages of hope and inspiration, and her acting roles often reflected her commitment to social justice. She was a powerful voice for the voiceless, and her work as a minister helped to make the world a better place.

Overall, Della Reese's work as a minister was a major factor in her overall success as an entertainer and activist. Her ordination as a minister gave her a platform to speak out on important social issues, and her work as a minister helped to inspire her music and acting.

Activist

Della Reese was a strong advocate for social justice and equality throughout her life. She used her platform as a singer, actress, and minister to speak out against racism, discrimination, and poverty. She was also a vocal supporter of the civil rights movement, and she marched alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma, Alabama.

Civil Rights Activism: Reese was a vocal supporter of the civil rights movement, and she marched alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma, Alabama.
Anti-Racism Activism: Reese spoke out against racism and discrimination throughout her career. She refused to perform at segregated venues, and she used her platform to promote racial equality.
Anti-Poverty Activism: Reese was also a strong advocate for the poor and homeless. She founded the Understanding Principles for Better Living Church in Los Angeles, which provided food, shelter, and counseling to those in need.
Interfaith Activism: Reese was a strong believer in interfaith cooperation. She worked with leaders from different religions to promote peace and understanding.

Reese's activism was a major part of her legacy. She used her voice and her platform to make the world a better place, and she inspired others to do the same.

Icon

Della Reese was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and beyond due to her multifaceted talent, her commitment to social justice, and her warm and engaging personality.

Multifaceted Talent: Reese was a successful singer, actress, and minister. She used her talents to entertain, inspire, and uplift others.
Commitment to Social Justice: Reese was a strong advocate for civil rights, racial equality, and the poor and homeless. She used her platform to speak out against injustice and to promote peace and understanding.
Warm and Engaging Personality: Reese was known for her warm and engaging personality. She was always willing to help others, and she had a genuine love for people.
Legacy: Reese's legacy continues to inspire others. She was a pioneer for African-American women in the entertainment industry, and she used her platform to make the world a better place.

Della Reese was a true icon. She was a talented entertainer, a committed activist, and a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and beyond.

FAQs About Della Reese

Here are some frequently asked questions about Della Reese:

Question 1: What was Della Reese's most famous role?

Answer: Della Reese's most famous role was Tess in the CBS drama Touched by an Angel.

Question 2: What was Della Reese's biggest hit song?

Answer: Della Reese's biggest hit song was "Don't You Know."

Question 3: Was Della Reese an ordained minister?

Answer: Yes, Della Reese was an ordained minister. She founded the Understanding Principles for Better Living Church in Los Angeles.

Question 4: Was Della Reese a civil rights activist?

Answer: Yes, Della Reese was a civil rights activist. She marched alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma, Alabama.

Question 5: What was Della Reese's legacy?

Answer: Della Reese's legacy is one of a talented entertainer, a committed activist, and a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and beyond.

Question 6: What can we learn from Della Reese's life and career?

Answer: We can learn from Della Reese's life and career the importance of using our talents to make the world a better place.

Della Reese was a remarkable woman who made a significant contribution to the world. Her legacy will continue to inspire others for years to come.

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Conclusion

Della Reese was a pioneering entertainer, civil rights activist, and minister who left an indelible mark on the world. Her multifaceted talent, unwavering commitment to social justice, and warm and engaging personality made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and beyond.

Reese's legacy continues to inspire others to use their talents and platforms to make a positive difference in the world. She is a role model for all who believe in the power of music, art, and activism to create a more just and equitable society.

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

Della Reese AlloCiné

Celebs Getting Candid

Della Reese: Talented Singer And Acclaimed Actress

Della Reese

Singer

Actress

Minister

Activist

Icon

FAQs About Della Reese

Conclusion

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