The Real L Word’s Francine Beppu has died at 43.
The reality TV star’s death was announced by a family spokesperson to TMZ on Monday.
Beppu passed away on Feb. 17 in her home in Honolulu, but her family has yet to disclose the cause of death.
In a statement provided to the outlet, the family said they were "deeply grateful to know how cherished she was and how brightly she will continue to shine."
The family also asked for privacy while they grieve and said plans for a celebration of life will be announced when they are ready.
Beppu was a star on the reality TV spin-off of The L Word, which documented the lives and dating drama of LGBTQ+ women in Los Angeles and New York.
The show premiered in 2010, and Beppu joined the cast for the second season in 2011. She was featured on the show for one season alongside her then-girlfriend, Claire Campbell Moseley.
After coming out as a lesbian to her mother while on the show, Beppu said she thought her story inspired other "Asian closeted lesbians."
“I didn't realize my coming out story would have such an impact on other people in the way that it did,” she said in an interview with Sa'Ke Film Group for National Coming Out Day in 2022. RIP.
