If you grew up watching BET in the mid-2000s, you definitely remember the face. Ashley Taylor Gerren—known to the world simply as Gerren Taylor—was the undeniable breakout star of Baldwin Hills. She was tall, stunning, and had this cool-girl energy that made everyone in the neighborhood (and across the country) pay attention.
But then, the cameras stopped rolling.
The show ended in 2009, and for a long time, fans only caught glimpses of her through social media or occasional modeling shots. When news broke in April 2021 that Gerren had passed away at just 30 years old, it felt like a gut punch to a whole generation of viewers who saw themselves in her. Honestly, it still feels a bit surreal that she's gone.
The Youngest Ever: Gerren’s Rise Before the Reality TV Cameras
Most people think Gerren from Baldwin Hills started her career on reality TV. That’s actually a huge misconception. She was a professional long before BET ever stepped foot in the "Black Beverly Hills."
At just 12 years old, a talent scout spotted her in a Los Angeles park. Think about that for a second. While most of us were trying to figure out middle school lockers, she was being signed to the runway division of L.A. Models. She was literally the youngest model they had ever signed to that division.
She wasn't just a "local" success, either. She was walking for major designers like Tommy Hilfiger, Betsey Johnson, and Tracy Reese. By the time she was a teenager, she had already been featured in the 2007 documentary America the Beautiful, which took a hard, often painful look at the fashion industry’s obsession with thinness and "the perfect look."
Why Baldwin Hills Mattered
When Baldwin Hills premiered in 2007, it was billed as the Black version of Laguna Beach or The Hills. But for those of us watching, it felt more grounded. It was about Black excellence, sure, but it was also about the messiness of being a teenager.
Gerren was the heart of the show.
Whether it was her relationship with co-star Moriah J or her navigating the high-pressure world of professional modeling while trying to finish high school, she was relatable. Even though she was 6 feet tall and drop-dead gorgeous, she dealt with the same insecurities and drama as any other teen.
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The show ran for three seasons. It documented her transition from a kid in the industry to a young woman trying to find her own voice. When the show was canceled in 2009, she didn't just disappear into the "where are they now" void immediately; she kept working, kept modeling, and eventually became a mother.
The Tragic Loss and Her Health Battle
On April 11, 2021, the news hit the internet: Gerren Taylor had died in her sleep.
There was a lot of initial confusion. People were looking for answers, and because she was so young, the speculation was everywhere. However, those close to her revealed that she had been privately battling Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease. At the time of her passing, she was reportedly on dialysis for kidney issues related to the condition.
It’s one of those things that most fans didn't know. She was incredibly private about her health struggles, choosing to show the world her strength and her growth rather than her pain. Her last Instagram post, shared just before she died, included a caption that read, "I’m very protective over the woman I am becoming." Looking back, those words carry so much weight.
The Legacy of Gerren Taylor
Gerren didn't just leave behind a TV legacy; she left behind a daughter, Miyoko Amor, who was seven at the time of her mother's death.
When you look at the outpouring of love from her former co-stars—Etienne Maurice, Moriah J, and even Ray Cunningham from College Hill—it’s clear that she was more than just a "cast member." She was a sister to that entire BET era.
She broke barriers in modeling before she was even old enough to drive. She gave young Black girls a version of themselves on screen that wasn't a stereotype. She was sophisticated, ambitious, and vulnerable all at once.
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Actionable Steps to Honor Her Memory
If you're looking for ways to carry on the spirit of what Gerren Taylor stood for, here are a few ways to engage:
- Support Lupus Research: Since Lupus disproportionately affects Black women, donating to or raising awareness for organizations like the Lupus Foundation of America is a direct way to help others fighting the same battle Gerren did.
- Watch Her Documentary Work: Seek out the 2007 documentary America the Beautiful. It’s a powerful look at the industry through her 12-year-old eyes and provides a lot of context for the person she became.
- Encourage Early Career Mentorship: Gerren was a pioneer for young models. Supporting organizations that protect and mentor young talent in the entertainment industry ensures that the "next Gerren" has the support they need.
- Check in on Your Friends: It sounds simple, but Gerren’s private battle reminds us that you never truly know what someone is going through behind the scenes.
Gerren from Baldwin Hills was a "bright light" as the network called her, and her impact on 2000s culture is permanent. She wasn't just a reality star; she was a trailblazer who left us far too soon.