Francine Beppu, who appeared in Showtime’s “The Real L Word,” has tragically passed away at the age of 43, TMZ reports.
A family spokesperson told the outlet that Beppu ” passed away February 17 at her home in Honolulu,” but the cause of death is not being released at this time. The family also shared a statement, saying they are “deeply grateful to know how cherished she was and how brightly she will continue to shine.”
“The Real L Word” was a reality show that premiered in 2010, with the first two seasons following a group LGBTQ+ women in Los Angeles, with the third season taking place in Brooklyn. The show was on for three seasons, with Beppu on the main cast for Season 2.
Tributes Pour In For Francine Beppu
“Damn. Heartbreaking 💔 RIP,” one person commented on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“43 is way too young, thoughts with her loved ones 🙏,” another person wrote.
“That’s heartbreaking. Too early for anyone,” someone posted.
“Heartbreaking news. Francine Beppu, a standout from ‘The Real L Word,’ has passed away at just 43. In an era when representation was hard to find, she was unapologetically herself on our screens. A tragic loss for the community and everyone who grew up watching her. Rest in peace, Francine,” one person said.
“Deepest condolences to her family and friends 😮💨💐🙏🏾,” another person shared
“🙏 young tv stars dying 😢 so sad,” someone posted.
Francine Beppu Reflects On Her Childhood In 2023 Interview
During an interview with Hawaii Business Magazine in 2023, in which she talked about her role at NMG Solutions, Beppu reflected on growing up, explaining why she was “never comfortable in my own skin.”
“I was never out and never comfortable in my own skin,” she said. “For a few years into my career, I wasn’t out. It affects you. It’s stressful to not share who you are when you’re at work.”
However, she has become an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, serving as a longtime volunteer at the Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation.
“The Honolulu Pride Parade became the largest parade in the state in 2019, pre-Covid, and it’s been growing exponentially,” she detailed. “Our work was important especially during Covid, when people were losing their jobs and feeling very isolated. Hawai‘i is small but we all help each other. Pride is a prime example. People from all backgrounds, we all come together to celebrate the community.”
