Actor Samuel Monroe Jr., known for his role in the iconic film “Menace II Society,” is in a critical condition as he battles meningitis in a Southern California hospital.

The 52-year-old, who appeared alongside stars like Samuel L. Jackson, Tyrin Turner, and Jada Pinkett in the 1993 teen crime drama, is currently on life support, according to reports from TMZ. His family has confirmed the seriousness of his condition.

His mother, Joyce Patton, expressed her emotional plea on Facebook, writing, “God doesn’t make mistakes, but He is gracious. I am humbly asking for His mercy and grace for Sam. I love you, son, to the moon and back 100 times.”

Efforts to reach Monroe Jr.’s close contacts by the Daily Mail have so far been unsuccessful.

To assist with mounting medical expenses, Monroe Jr.’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign. The page highlights the financial strain and seeks contributions, stating, “Every donation, no matter the size, will help ease the burden on Samuel’s family and ensure that Kingston and Brooklynn have the support they need while their father fights for his life.”

The crowdfunding page also disclosed that Monroe Jr. has undergone two brain surgeries and remains on life support as he continues his fight.

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 

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

Monroe Jr. has two children: 12-year-old Kingston Monroe and 11-year-old Brooklynn 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.’

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

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.

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)

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

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.