Menace II Society actor Samuel Monroe Jr. on life support in hospital amid devastating health battle

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By EVE BUCKLAND, US SHOWBUSINESS DEPUTY EDITOR and JUSTIN ENRIQUEZ, US ASSISTANT SHOWBIZ EDITOR

Published: 18:25 BST, 27 April 2026 | Updated: 19:36 BST, 27 April 2026

Menace II Society actor Samuel Monroe Jr. is fighting for his life in hospital amid a devastating battle with meningitis.

Monroe Jr., 52, who had a small role in the 1993 teen crime drama film which starred Samuel L. Jackson, Tyrin Turner and Jada Pinkett, is on life support in a Southern California hospital, his family told TMZ.

His mother Joyce Patton posted on Facebook, saying: 'God don’t make no mistakes, but he is gracious, and I am humbly asking for his mercy and grace for Sam. I love you, son, to the moon and back 100 times.'

Daily Mail has reached out to those close to Monroe Jr. and have yet to hear back. 

Monroe Jr. has also starred in Tales from the Hood, Set It Off, Out All Night and NYPD Blue.  

The talented star is married to corporate tech executive and voice actor Shawna Stewart.

Menace II Society actor Samuel Monroe Jr. is fighting for his life in hospital amid a devastating battle with meningitis - pictured 2020

Monroe Jr., 52, who had a small role in the 1993 teen crime drama film which starred Samuel L. Jackson, Tyrin Turner and Jada Pinkett, is on life support in a Southern California hospital, his family told TMZ 

Monroe Jr. has three children: Kingston Monroe, Brooklynn Monroe, and Michaela Monroe. 

His wife Stewart confirmed to Complex that the actor was on life support amid a prolonged battle with meningitis.

She told the publication: 'Around 18 months ago, Samuel was in Las Vegas filming, and unfortunately, that is where he contracted meningitis.

'He went to several different hospitals, where his condition was repeatedly misdiagnosed and because of this negligence, the meningitis went untreated for eight months.'

She revealed that by the time the infection had been 'finally identified,' it had 'already spread not only to his spine but also his brain.' 

Stewart's statement to Complex concluded by asking that their family is urging everyone to 'keep him in their prayers, as Samuel remains on life support due to meningitis.'

He has recently been working as a director, writer and producer, producing his own TV series, The Halls, about children who enter the Juvenile Hall system at a young age.

In Menace II Society, he portrayed Ilena's cousin as Ilena was portrayed by Erin Leshawn Wiley.

Monroe Jr. (pictured with Jamie Foxx) has also starred in Tales from the Hood, Set It Off, Out All Night and NYPD Blue

His mother Joyce Patton posted on Facebook , saying: 'God don’t make no mistakes, but he is gracious, and I am humbly asking for his mercy and grace for Sam. I love you, son, to the moon and back 100 times'

His wife Shawna Stewart confirmed to Complex that the actor was on life support amid a prolonged battle with meningitis

She revealed that by the time the infection had been 'finally identified,' it had 'already spread not only to his spine but also his brain' (Monroe Jr. is pictured with former NFL star Terrell Owens)

Ilena is impregnated by main character Kaydee 'Caine' Lawson - portrayed by Tyrin Turner - who then stomps out Monroe Jr.'s character.

Ilena's cousin then seeks vengeance as he and his friends drive-by shootout which results in the tragic death of Caine at the end of the film. 

Monroe Jr.'s latest role was as Zero in 2022 television film Shine Kings.

He also starred as The Intruder in the 2021 film Lockdown 2025 which is centered around a virus outbreak which leads to a nationwide lockdown with maritial law declared.

Monroe Jr. also embarked on his own rap career with songs produced by stars including Battlecat and Duane Nettlesby.

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