This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Alexis Arquette, actress and transgender activist, dies at 47
Actress Alexis Arquette arrives at the HBO premiere of "Hung" held at Paramount Studios on June 24, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.
(
Jason Merritt/Getty Images
)
Actress and transgender activist Alexis Arquette died early Sunday morning at the age of 47, family members said.
The actress was best known for roles in “The Wedding Singer,” and “Pulp Fiction,” and came out as transgender in 2006. A 2007 documentary, “She’s My Brother,” chronicled her transition. People Magazine and CNN both confirmed her death, although the cause is still unclear.
“Our brother Robert, who became our brother Alexis, who became our sister Alexis, who became our brother Alexis, passed this morning September 11, at 12:32 am,” wrote her brother Richmond Arquette in a Facebook post Sunday. “He was surrounded by all of his brothers and sisters, one of his nieces and several other loved ones. We were playing music for him and he passed during David Bowie's Starman. As per his wishes, we cheered at the moment that he transitioned to another dimension.”
Alexis’s siblings include actors Rosanna, David and Patricia Arquette. Several family members and friends tweeted words and photos in remembrance early Sunday.
https://twitter.com/PattyArquette/status/774927542482415617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/DavidArquette/status/775071588790120448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/BoyGeorge/status/775020270771810304
Sponsored message
https://twitter.com/therealroseanne/status/775028566207582208
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
