Before she joined “Days of Our Lives,” Rhonda Stubbins White appeared on a number of iconic shows in the ’90s, including “ER,” “Touched By An Angel,” and “NYPD Blue.” The character actor moved into Salem in 2000, playing the role of Lady Vi. Lady Vi owned a soul food restaurant, giving her an insight into the dramatic goings-on around town. After leaving “Days,” White went on to star in a TV movie version of “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” and in 2020, she joined the cast of Tyler Perry’s religious drama “Ruthless,” where she played Agnes alongside fellow “Days” vet Matt Cedeño.
White passed away in 2021, at only 60 years old, from cancer. A friend announced her death in a comment on her last Facebook post (a music video of Jon Batiste’s “Freedom”), writing in part, “She was an amazingly talented woman, full of positivity and energy, and grounded by her faith. We were all fortunate to have known her and shared her short time on this earth.” After the news broke online, a manager confirmed it to People.
The Twitter account for “Ruthless” memorialized the star online, sharing, “She has crafted a nearly 30-year legacy in television and film, and we are grateful to have had such an incredibly talented individual and positive light be a part of the Ruthless family.”