The Real L Word star Francine Beppu dies aged 43

Francine Beppu, star of the Showtime reality series real L wordshis family has confirmed that he passed away at the age of 43.

In a statement shared on social media, Beppu’s loved ones praised her “shining light” and “immeasurable impact on those around her.”

her family approved TMZ She died on February 17th at her home in Honolulu, Hawaii. The cause of death has not been made public.

“We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Francine Naoko Beppu,” her loved ones said in a statement.

“The outpouring of care and concern from her friends and colleagues around the world is a testament to the tremendous impact she had on those around her. We are deeply grateful to know how much she was cherished and how brightly she continues to shine among all who knew her.”

Beppu’s family asked for privacy as they overcome an “unimaginable loss” and “want to honor her memory.” They added that they will announce plans for a celebration of life as soon as they are ready.

“Until then, thank you for keeping our family in your thoughts and carrying Francine’s shining light forward,” the statement concludes.

Francine Beppu appears on Showtime reality series as main cast member real L words In 2011.

The series, which began in 2010, follows a group of queer women living in Los Angeles. The third and final season premiered in 2012 and was set in Brooklyn.

Beppu appeared in season 2 with his ex-partner Claire Moseley, and the season focused in part on the two processing their breakup.

Moseley paid tribute to his ex-partner and her “contagious spirit” on Instagram.

“Someone comes into your life and everything changes. When I was 19 I met you and not only did my life change, it started,” Moseley wrote.

“You were the most inspiring and beautiful person I had ever seen. You had an infectious spirit that made me want to live in your orbit. You were smart. You were wild. You were free,” she continued.

“I am forever changed by your presence, and I am forever grateful to the universe for letting our paths cross on that fateful day in New York all those years ago.”

In 2017, Mr. Beppu joined the Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation Board of Directors. She was an active supporter of Honolulu Pride.

Last year, she founded the Bad Liars Collective, a women-led organization focused on “promoting inclusivity” in golf by “elevating historically underrepresented groups and celebrating diversity in all its forms.”

real L words The work was commissioned following the success of Showtime’s fictional drama. L’s wordbecame a seminal piece of pop culture in lesbian representation when it premiered in 2004.