What To Know
- Francine Beppu, star of The Real L Word, died at age 43 in February.
- The Honolulu Medical Examiner has confirmed her cause of death and released a toxicology report.
- Beyond her reality TV role, Beppu served as chairperson for the Hawai’i LGBT Legacy Foundation.
The Real L Word star Francine Beppu died at age 43 back in February, and now a medical examiner has confirmed her cause of death.
According to TMZ, citing a report from the Honolulu Medical Examiner, Beppu died by suicide on February 17. A toxicology report also stated “the presence of amphetamine and alcohol” in her system when she died.
A family spokesperson confirmed Beppu’s passing in late February, telling People, “It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Francine ‘Naoko’ Beppu. 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,” adding that they appreciate “the many gestures of love for Francine and kindly ask for privacy and time” as they “navigate this unimaginable loss and honor her memory.”
Beppu starred in the second season of Showtime’s The Real L Word, a spinoff of the network’s hit drama series The L Word, which followed the lives of a group of lesbian and bisexual women living in West Hollywood, California. The L Word ran for six seasons between 2004 and 2009.
The Real L Word premiered on June 20, 2010, and centered on a group of lesbians in Los Angeles as they navigated daily life. Beppu joined the show for its second season, featuring alongside her then-girlfriend Claire Moseley. The show 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 said in a 2022 interview with The Hawai’i Herald as she recalled her coming out. “My parents are great. They’ve been very accepting. I’m really lucky to have them.”
In addition to her reality TV stint, Beppu also worked for Viacom, where she helped launch Logo, the first LGBTQ+ cable channel. She also served as chairperson for the Hawai’i LGBT Legacy Foundation.
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or dial 988. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
This story originally appeared on TV Insider
