'A Different World' actor Lou Myers dies at 77

Lou Myers, an actor best known for playing Vernon Gaines on the 80s show, A Different World, died Tuesday, at the age of 77.

The president of Lou's non-profit organization told TMZ, Myers passed away last night in Charleston Medical Center, W.Va., following a heart related emergency.

His heart stopped yesterday, but doctors were able to revive him. However, it did not last long, he fell into a coma, and passed away hours later.

He was hospitalized last December for pneumonia, but released after New Year's Eve. He collapsed at home a few weeks later, and was therefore hospitalized again.

The actor will receive a military burial in W.Va., because he used to serve in the army.

He is survived by his 95-year-old mother and a son.

Other than acting, Myers was also an acclaimed jazz singer, as reported by the Associated Press.

He sang jazz and blues with the touring company Negro Music in Vogue.

His Cabaret show was critically acclaimed internationally in cities such as Berlin, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and also in New York and L.A.