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Reality TV Star Dies at 43 Under Mysterious Circumstances

Francine Beppu appeared on Showtime’s “The Real L Word.”

A reality television personality who later became an LGBTQ advocate has died at 43. Francine Beppu, who appeared on Showtime’s The Real L Word, died Feb. 17 at her home in Honolulu, Hawaii, a family spokesperson told TMZ. The cause of death is not being disclosed. In a statement, her family said they were “deeply grateful to know how cherished she was and how brightly she will continue to shine,” adding they kindly ask for privacy and time as they grieve. Plans for a celebration of life will be announced when the family is ready, they added. Beppu was known for appearing on The Real L Word, the Showtime reality series that followed the lives and relationships of LGBTQ women in Los Angeles. The series ran for three seasons, from June 2010 until September 2012. During the second season, Beppu’s major storylines focused on her relationship with her mother and her tumultuous relationship with her ex. She left after that season. In 2015, she moved back to Hawaii and began working with the Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation, eventually becoming president of the organization. Her latest social media posts in late December said she had “big announcements dropping soon.”