All That Actress Christy Knowings’ Cause of Death Revealed

Former All That actress Christy Knowings died from cardiac arrest caused by complications from severe asthma, according to her death certificate obtained by PEOPLE.

Knowings, 46, suffered an asthma attack that resulted in brain damage. She was placed on life support at a Los Angeles hospital for four days before her family decided to remove her on Aug. 11. Her death certificate lists acute hypoxic respiratory failure and status asthmaticus as contributing conditions, with asthma listed as the underlying cause of death.

“Rest in power, Chrissy,” her aunt, Tyleah Joseph, wrote on Facebook after her death, describing Knowings as an “outstanding actress, comedian, twin sister” and an “amazing daughter.”

Born in the Bronx, Knowings joined Nickelodeon’s All That in 1997. She became known for the sketch “Whateverrr!” with Amanda Bynes, playing one of two boy-crazy friends. She also played Gloria Bankhead, an exaggerated Martha Stewart-style character, during her final season in 2000.

Knowings later appeared on Sesame Street alongside her twin brother, Chris Knowings. She also performed with the Los Angeles-based improv troupe Doin’ the Most Comedy and released the folk song “To the World” in 2020.

Her former manager, Al Hill, remembered her as a multi-talented performer who was dedicated to singing, acting and dancing.

Knowings had spoken about the importance of All That’s diverse cast, saying her background as a Native American Afro-Latina woman from the Bronx allowed her to bring cultural perspectives to the show that were not always reflected in the writers’ room.