Francine Beppu, LGBTQ+ advocate and star of “The Real L Word,” reportedly died by suicide.
According to a Honolulu Medical Examiner’s report obtained by TMZ, Beppu hanged herself earlier this year. It also revealed she had amphetamine and alcohol in her system at the time of her death. She was just 43 years old.
Family confirmed Beppu’s death with an emotional statement on February 17, though they did not provide the cause at the time.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Francine ‘Naoko’ Beppu,” they said.
“The outpouring of care and concern from her friends and colleagues is a testament to the tremendous impact she had on everyone around her,” the statement continued. “We are deeply grateful to know how cherished she was and how brightly she will continue to shine through all who knew her.”
Beppu is well-known for appearing on “The Real L Word,” which debuted in June 2010 and ran for three seasons. It followed a group of lesbians in Los Angeles and New York as they navigated their careers, relationships and day-to-day lives.
Beppu, a Hawaii native, joined during the second season alongside her then-girlfriend Claire Moseley. The show also notably included a scene of her coming out to her mom.
“There were some tears, but at the end of the day, my mom wants what’s best for me,” Beppu told The Hawai’i Herald of the moment. “My parents are great. They’ve been very accepting. I’m really lucky to have them.”
According to Hawaii Business, she also worked for Sony Electronics, as well as Viacom, where she helped launch Logo, the first LGBTQ+ cable channel.