Singer/Actress Vanity Dead At 57

Vanity (Denise Katrina Matthews)

ALL ACCESS sends condolences to the family and friends of VANITY, lead singer of PRINCE's 80s girl group VANITY 6.  She passed away YESTERDAY (2/15).  She was 57-years old and had been battling kidney failure for years. 

Her real name was DENISE KATRINA MATTHEWS and while working in the group VANITY 6 she reportedly was romantically involved with PRINCE.  The Canadian-based entertainer was originally scheduled to star in the movie PURPLE RAIN, but left the group before the film began production.  She was replaced by APOLLONIA “PATTY” KOTERO in both the film and the group.

VANITY went on to sign a solo record deal with MOTOWN and also starred in the movies THE LAST DRAGON, ACTION JACKSON, and 52-PICKUP.

A drug addiction in the 90s led to her kidney problems and eventually had to undergo nearly daily dialysis treatments.  VANITY quit drugs, became a born-again Christian in the mid '90s, started a ministry, and remained active in her local church up until her death.

VANITY's biggest hit came in 1982 with "NASTY GIRL,” a song produced by PRINCE.

Funeral arrangements are forthcoming.

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