Man, this news hits hard. If you watched a bunch of TV late at night in the late ’90s/early ’00s, no doubt you’re familiar with the infamous TV psychic Miss Cleo. With her nondescript Caribbean accent (which was fake, BTW – she was born in LA) and her very convincing schtick about being able to give you all the answers to every question you had in life, she was basically a staple of bullshit TV. Unfortunately, she passed away this morning in Florida after battling cancer. She was only 53.
Here’s the scoop from TMZ:
A rep for Miss Cleo — whose real name was Youree Harris — tells us she died Tuesday morning in Palm Beach County, FL. We’re told she was recently hospitalized, but was discharged last week to a hospice center.
We’re told Cleo was originally diagnosed with colon cancer … but it spread to her liver and lungs.
The rep said Cleo remained a “pillar of strength” during her illness … and died surrounded by family and friends.
That’s a shame – cancer is such a terrible illness that ends far too many people’s lives way before it’s due. I’m obviously being a bit tongue in cheek about Miss Cleo’s Hollywood status, but it’s always sad when anyone passes away, especially at such a young age (and let’s be clear – 53 is still young).
Let’s all enjoy one of her best TV ads in her honor: