Marta DuBois was a Panamanian-American actress who had a steady career on episodes of numerous television series and films. She may be best known as the female lead—homicide detective Roberta Hansen—in the McBride franchise of 10 television films. She also appeared in shows like Star Trek: The Next Generation, Magnum, P.I., and Tales of the Gold Monkey. But how did she die and what was her cause of death? Here is what we know.
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A Sudden and Unexpected Death
On May 8, 2018, it was announced that DuBois had passed away at the age of 65 and she was living in Los Angeles. The cause of death was a brain aneurysm, according to Wikipedia. A brain aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain that can rupture and cause bleeding in the brain, leading to stroke, coma, or death. The symptoms of a brain aneurysm can vary depending on the size, location, and whether it has ruptured or not. Some common signs are severe headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, neck stiffness, and loss of consciousness.
Brain aneurysms are not very common, affecting about 3% of the population. They can be caused by various factors, such as high blood pressure, smoking, family history, age, gender, and other medical conditions. The treatment options depend on the severity and risk of rupture. Some aneurysms can be monitored with regular check-ups, while others may require surgery or endovascular procedures to seal off the aneurysm from the blood flow.
A Life Full of Talent and Passion
DuBois was born on December 15, 1952 in David, Chiriquí, Panama. She started her acting career in 1977 with a role in the TV movie The Deadly Triangle. She made her film debut with a supporting role in the 1979 drama Boulevard Nights. She followed this with roles in the films Dead Badge (1995), and Black Out (1996). She also co-starred in the romantic comedy Luminarias (2000).
DuBois was also a prolific television actress, appearing in more than 50 shows throughout her career. She had a recurring role on Magnum, P.I. as Michelle Hue, the wife of Thomas Magnum who was presumed dead but later revealed to be alive. She also had a recurring role on Tales of the Gold Monkey as Princess Koji, a mysterious and powerful leader of an island kingdom. She made guest appearances on series such as Hardcastle and McCormick, Vega$, The A-Team, L.A. Law, Silk Stalkings, Martin (TV series), Matlock, Walker, Texas Ranger and Star Trek: The Next Generation. She played Ardra, a mythic being who claimed to be the devil in the fourth season episode “Devil’s Due” (1991).
DuBois was best known by many fans for her role as Sergeant Roberta Hansen in ten McBride television movies between 2005 and 2008. She played a homicide detective who partnered with John Larroquette’s character Mike McBride, a former cop turned lawyer who solved crimes with his legal expertise and intuition. DuBois brought charm and humor to her character, who often clashed with McBride’s unconventional methods but also developed a friendship with him.
DuBois also had a passion for singing and music. She performed at various venues and events, such as the Hollywood Bowl and the Los Angeles Music Center. She also recorded an album titled “Marta” in 1984.
A Legacy of Love and Respect
DuBois was married to Salvatore Jack Giordano, a producer and director who worked on shows like Magnum P.I., Murder She Wrote, and Diagnosis Murder. He died on February 19, 2007. DuBois never remarried and had no children.
DuBois was loved and respected by her colleagues and fans. Many of them paid tribute to her on social media after her death. John Larroquette tweeted: “Marta DuBois was my friend for over forty years. We made ten McBride movies together. I loved her dearly. I will miss her terribly.” Stephen Collins, who co-starred with her on Tales of the Gold Monkey, wrote: “Marta DuBois was one of my favorite people ever to work with. Funny & smart & beautiful & kind. I’m so sad to hear of her passing.”
DuBois left behind a legacy of talent and passion that will be remembered by many. She was a versatile and charismatic actress who brought life and joy to every role she played. She was also a warm and generous person who touched the lives of many with her kindness and friendship. She will be missed by all who knew her.
