The Real L Word star Francine Beppu’s reason for death has been revealed following her death at age 43.
In line with 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’s with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Francine ‘Naoko’ Beppu,” an announcement from the family obtained by the outlet read on the time. “The outpouring of care and concern from her friends and colleagues is a testament to the tremendous impact she had on everyone round her. We’re deeply grateful to know the way cherished she was and the way brightly she is going to proceed to shine through all who knew her.”
The family added that they’d appreciated “the various gestures of affection for Francine” while requesting privacy they usually 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 gaggle 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 Recent York City.
Beppu only featured within the show for one season, alongside her then-girlfriend Claire Moseley, as cameras filmed her coming out as a lesbian to her mom.
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During a 2022 interview for The Hawai’i Herald, Beppu said that coming out was removed from easy, despite taking the news well while cameras rolled. “There have been some tears but at the top of the day, my mom wants what’s best for me,” she told the outlet on the time. “My parents are great. They’ve been very accepting. I’m really lucky to have them.”
While her solid inclusion was transient, Beppu’s advocation for LGBTQ+ rights endured. She served as a chairperson for the Hawai’i LGBT Legacy Foundation, a company 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,” in accordance with its website.
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