Celebrity News

Actress and activist Alexis Arquette has passed away, age 47

The transgender actress was a fan favourite in the movie The Wedding Singer.
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Transgender actress Alexis Arquette has passed away at the age of 47.

Her death was announced by her brother Richmond on Facebook.

Alexis, born Robert Arquette, was part of the Arquette family dynasty of actors including Patricia Arquette, David Arquette and Rosanna Arquette.

The actress was best known for her role as a Boy George impersonator in The Wedding Singer.

Alexis passed surrounded by family and friends.

Richmond’s announcement read: “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.

“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,” Richmond said.

Alexis with family members Rosanna, Richmond, Patricia and David.

He continued: “As per his wishes, we cheered at the moment that he transitioned to another dimension.”

“Thank you, Alexis, I love you and will love you always.”

Richmond’s agent confirmed the news to media.

“With deepest love, respect and condolences to the Arquette family we wish to share Richmond Arquette’s announcement at the passing of his beloved brother/sister Robert/Alexis,” the message read.

She will be greatly missed by her family.

“Our hearts are heavy for this wonderful family. They are not simply brought up in fame…they’ve continued to roll up their sleeves to make a difference on this, our planet Earth, with their presence.

“Each and every one of them has touched our hearts and has been the example of true FAMILY at its grandest meaning. Robert /Alexis will continue to be loved as his/her light now resonates throughout the universe as the star we’ve always known him/her to be.”

Medium’s Patricia tweeted the video for Bowie’s Starman after Alexis’s passing.

WATCH: Alexis opens up about the intense hardships she faced when transitioning in the video below.

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Following the tragic news, her brother David Arquette headed to Twitter where he spoke of his pride and love for his sibling.

“Thank you all for your love and kind words about Alexis,” he shared on social media. “My hero for eternity.”

Soon after, David’s ex-wife Courteney Cox expressed her condolences to the family with a heartfelt message online.

“My heart goes out to anyone who was lucky enough to know Alexis,” she penned. “We will love and miss you forever.”

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