The Real L Word star Francine Beppu’s cause of death has been revealed following her death at age 43.
According to a report by the Honolulu Medical Examiner, with details published by TMZ on Tuesday, June 16, Beppu died by suicide on February 17.
The examiner’s office also conducted toxicology testing which indicated “the presence of amphetamine and alcohol” in her system when she died.
Beppu, who starred on season 2 of the Showtime reality TV show in 2011, was confirmed dead by a spokesperson for her family who spoke to People several days later. “It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Francine ‘Naoko’ Beppu,” a statement from the family obtained by the outlet read at the time. “The outpouring of care and concern from her friends and colleagues is a testament to the tremendous impact she had on everyone around her. We are deeply grateful to know how cherished she was and how brightly she will continue to shine through all who knew her.”
The family added that they had appreciated “the many gestures of love for Francine” while requesting privacy and they navigated “this unimaginable loss and honor her memory.”
The Real L Word was a spin off of The L Word, a Showtime drama series that followed a group of lesbian and bisexual women who lived in West Hollywood, California. It ran from 2004 to 2009 before The Real L Word explored further characters, including Beppu, in L.A. and New York City.
Beppu only featured in the show for one season, alongside her then-girlfriend Claire Moseley, as cameras filmed her coming out as a lesbian to her mom.
During a 2022 interview for The Hawai’i Herald, Beppu said that coming out was far from easy, despite taking the news well while cameras rolled. “There were some tears but at the end of the day, my mom wants what’s best for me,” she told the outlet at the time. “My parents are great. They’ve been very accepting. I’m really lucky to have them.”
While her cast inclusion was brief, Beppu’s advocation for LGBTQ+ rights endured. She served as a chairperson for the Hawai’i LGBT Legacy Foundation, an organization that focuses on “empowering individuals and communities through education, cultural enrichment and advocacy … to create a world where MVPFAFF/LGBTQIA individuals can thrive, free from discrimination and prejudice,” according to its website.
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