Actress Cocoa Brown lost her home in Fayetteville, Georgia, in a devastating fire on February 18.
Fortunately, the For Better or For Worse star, 51, escaped the home unharmed with her son Phoenix, 12, and their pets.
And Cocoa has an angel watching over her: Tyler Perry, 54, who wrote and directed the OWN Network comedy in which she starred from 2011 to 2017.
He donated $400,000 to help her find a new home and she told him TMZ who is filled with “deep gratitude” for Perry’s support.
Friends of the actress also started a GoFundMe to help her rebuild or find a new home. The original fundraising goal was $50,000, but it was quickly met and raised to $100,000.
Cocoa Brown and her son Phoenix received $400,000 from their friend Tyler Perry after losing their home in a devastating fire (pictured in 2023)
Tyler Perry wrote and directed the comedy For Better or Worse, starring Brown (pictured here in 2022)
Cocoa’s GoFundMe has raised over $69,000 as of this writing with generous donations from some of her famous friends, including Tiffany Haddish, Sherri Shepherd, Marlon Wayons, Byron Allen, and The Breakfast Club podcast team.
The cause of the fire could have been a lit candle, according to TMZand a source told the publication Cocoa that they believe one may have fallen onto a pile of clothes.
Although the star reportedly tried to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher after the alarm went off, the fire spread too quickly and he had to escape.
Cocoa took to her Instagram on Monday to reshare the GoFundMe post.
“Bright light in the darkness: Supporting Cocoa Brown and Son Phoenix after Tragic Fire,” the caption read.
“Today, our community was rocked by the devastating news that Cocoa Brown and her son Phoenix lost their home in a fire.”
“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 are grateful to know they are safe, the road ahead is certainly daunting,” the post continued.
Brown seen in 2023
‘Cocoa Brown has brought laughter and light to countless lives with her talent and humor. Now it is our turn to join her and show our support in her time of need. “Together, let us shine a beacon of hope and happiness in this time of darkness.”
‘We are launching a fundraising campaign to help Cocoa and Phoenix as they embark on this journey to start over. “Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a difference in helping them rebuild what was lost.”
On Thursday, Cocoa shared a touching thank you note on Instagram.
‘I would like to thank everyone who has reached out to me and my son during this devastating time. I apologize if I didn’t answer calls, especially yesterday, but I lost my phone in the fire and was using a spare phone that didn’t have enough memory,’ he wrote.
“And the phone died, so if you were trying to contact me yesterday, I apologize, this is by far the most devastating thing that has ever happened to me, at least with my parents, I knew it was going to happen,” he explained, referring to the death of his parents.
‘I’m not well, but all your love and support has been incredibly generous and kind. Please pray for me and my son as we go through this horrible and unexpected incident, Cocoa,” she added.
On Thursday, Cocoa shared a touching thank you note on Instagram thanking everyone for their support.
The For Better or For Worse star, 51, lived at the Fayetteville, Georgia, property with her 12-year-old son Phoenix (pictured). She was able to escape with her son and her pets.
Although the star reportedly tried to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher after the alarm went off, the fire spread too quickly and he had to escape.
Friends of the actress have started a GoFundMe to help her, with an original goal of $50,000 that was quickly met and they are now seeking $100,000.
She is best known for playing Jennifer on Tyler Perry’s show For Better Or Worse (pictured left) and Lytia in the 2014 film Single Moms Club.
Her 213,000 followers quickly took to their comments to support the star. “Prayers to you and your son, glad you are safe,” one wrote.
‘Wow, my God! Sending my love and prayers to you both,” another added.
‘We support you. I’m glad you’re all safe. Sending you lots of love,” another follower shared.
Cocoa is a working actress and comedian with over 60 acting credits to her name, as well as several comedy specials.
She is best known for playing Jennifer on Tyler Perry’s show For Better Or Worse and Lytia in the 2014 film Single Moms Club.