Following the fire that engulfed her Fayetteville, Georgia home, 51-year-old actress and comedian Cocoa Brown, best known for playing Jennifer in “For Better Or Worse” and Lytia in “Single Moms Club,” is grappling with the loss.
Brown, her 12-year-old son, Phoenix, and her pets escaped unharmed, but, according to TMZ, the suburban Atlanta home might be a total loss. An entity that identifies as Brown’s team has launched a GoFundMe campaign, intending to raise $50,000 to help rebuild their lives.
On Feb. 18, the fire, suspected to have ignited from clothes falling onto a heat source, engulfed Brown’s home, TMZ reported. By the time the fire alarm sounded, it was already escalating into a raging blaze, catching her son and their pets unawares as they slept.
“Cocoa, a beacon of joy in our lives through her incredible comedy, now faces an unimaginable challenge as she and her son must rebuild their lives from scratch. While we’re grateful to hear that they are safe, the road ahead is undoubtedly daunting,” the GoFundMe post read.
The post continued, “Cocoa Brown has brought laughter and light to countless lives with her talent and humor. Now, it’s our turn to rally around her and show our support in her time of need. Together, let’s shine a beacon of hope and happiness in this time of darkness.”
The GoFundMe campaign, initiated on Feb. 19, aims to raise $50,000. As of the latest update on Feb. 20, the goal is nearly achieved, with donations exceeding $45,000 from more than 400 donors.
Brown, hailing from Newport News, Virginia, is also known for her standup, infusing her comedic style with insights she experienced from her challenging past, according to Connect Savannah.
Starting her entertainment journey as an advertising associate for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, she swiftly transitioned into stand-up comedy, gracing shows like BET’s “Comic View” and “One Mic Stand,” as well as “Showtime at the Apollo.”
Her versatile portfolio spans Tyler Perry’s “For Better or Worse” to commercials for Progressive Insurance and film roles alongside A-listers like Samuel L. Jackson.
Cocoa Brown’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000, it’s important to note that the recent house fire has likely impacted her wealth. Even though she has to endure this setback, her diverse career ensures that she will be back on her feet. In the past, Brown has made appearances in films such as “Lakeview Terrace” and “The Single Moms Club,” along with guest roles on television shows like “2 Broke Girls” and “Breaking Bad.”