The cause of death has been revealed after Real L Word star Francine Beppu passed away at the age of 43.
Beppu died by suicide on February 17th, according to a Honolulu coroner’s report detailed by TMZ on Tuesday, June 16th.
The medical examiner’s office also conducted toxicology tests, which showed “amphetamines and alcohol were present” in her system at the time of her death.
Beppu, who appeared on the second season of the reality show “Showtime” in 2011, was confirmed dead a few days later by a family spokesperson who spoke to People magazine. “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Francine Naoko Beppu,” said a statement from the family obtained by the same media at the time. “The outpouring of care and concern from her friends and colleagues is a testament to the tremendous impact she had on those around her. We are deeply grateful to know how much she was cherished and how brightly she continues to shine among all who knew her.”
The family requested privacy but thanked “the many gestures of love for Francine,” adding that they had overcome “this unimaginable loss and in honor of her memory.”
The Real L Word is a spinoff of Showtime’s drama series The L Word, which follows a group of lesbian and bisexual women living in West Hollywood, California. The show ran from 2004 to 2009, after which The Real World explored further characters, including Beppu, in LA and New York City.
Beppu, who was caught on camera coming out as a lesbian to her mother, appeared on the show for one season with her then-girlfriend Claire Moseley.
The cause of death of RuPaul’s Drag Race star Vivienne James Lee Williams has been revealed. The drag artist’s family told BBC News that he died of cardiac arrest caused by the use of the powerful anesthetic ketamine. The Williams family has confirmed plans to work with drug abuse charity Adferiad (…)
In a 2022 interview with the Hawaii Herald, Beppu said that even though she took the news well while the cameras were rolling, coming out was never easy. “I teared up a little bit, but at the end of the day, my mom wants what’s best for me,” she told the outlet at the time. “My parents are wonderful people. They’ve been very accepting. I’m really lucky to have them.”
Although her appearance was short-lived, Beppu’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights was long-lasting. She served as president of the Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation, an organization focused on “empowering individuals and communities through education, cultural enrichment, and advocacy to create a world where MVPFAFF/LGBTQIA individuals can thrive without discrimination or prejudice,” according to the foundation’s website.
If you or someone you know is in trouble or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. https://988lifeline.org/
