Trans actor and activist Alexis Arquette has died surrounded by her family at the age of 47.
The American star Alexis Arquette has died after a “lengthy illness” and surrounded by her family. She was 47-years-old. Her passing was announced on a Facebook update posted by her brother Richmond Arquette.
The statement read:
“Alexis was born as Robert, our brother. We loved him the moment he arrived. But he came in as more than a sibling — he came as our great teacher. As Alexis transitioned into being a woman, she taught us tolerance and acceptance. As she moved through her process, she became our sister, teaching us what real love is,” she wrote. “We learned what real bravery is through watching her journey of living as a trans woman. We came to discover the one truth -— that love is everything.
Surrounded by family, David Bowie’s ‘Starman’ was playing as she passed away. The cause of death has not yet been made public.
Alexis Arquette starred in many films and started her career when she was 12. Credited as Robert Arquette she starred in Bride of Chucky, Of Mice and Men and The Wedding Singer.
She began her public transition in 2007 when she produced a documentary called Alexis Arquette: She’s My Brother.
Stars and celebrities have been paying tribute to Arquette – including Boy George who wrote,
R.I.P my sister Alexis Arquette. Another bright light gone out far too soon. Love to the family and all that loved Alexis.
R.I.P my sister Alexis Arquette. Another bright light gone out far too soon. Love to the family and all that loved Alexis.
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) September 11, 2016
Lucy Lawless wrote that she was “heartsore”
“I am so heartsore to hear of the passing of a darling friend,
#AlexisArquette Beautiful#Starman Shine On! Loved by many, Loved by me.”
I am so heartsore to hear of the passing of a darling friend, #AlexisArquette Beautiful #Starman Shine On! Loved by many, Loved by me.
— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) September 11, 2016
I remember falling for Alexis Arquette (and Craig Chester) in a lovely and now sadly appropriately titled little film called 'Grief'.
— Mark Gatiss 💙 (@Markgatiss) September 11, 2016
Join the discussion about Alexis Arquette in our Forum