Celebrity News September 11, 2016
Trans Actor Alexis Arquette Dead at 47
UPDATE: A source tells People magazine that Alexis died from complications related to AIDS.
Trans performer Alexis Arquette — sibling of fellow actors Patricia, Rosanna, David, and Richmond — has died at 47.
X17 Online reports that Richmond Arquette posted a Facebook status that described Alexis's final moments: "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 a.m. 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."
Around the same time, Patricia Arquette wrote on Twitter, "Breaking through the veil singing StarMan".
Richmond went on to write that the family cheered when Alexis died, as had been his wish. According to RadarOnline, Alexis had been in a coma at Cedars-Sinai Hospital for four days, with only family allowed as visitors. TMZ confirmed the death, and reported that Arquette had been "battling an illness."
Alexis' brother David shared with a precious throwback pic of himself with Alexis, who is a "hero" in his eyes.
Thank you all for your love and kind words about Alexis. My hero for eternity pic.twitter.com/Z18xLtYTBv
@DavidArquette
David's ex-wife Courteney Cox also paid tribute to Alexis, tweeting, "My heart goes out to anyone who was lucky enough to know Alexis. We will love and miss you forever."
Alexis Arquette had a thriving acting career when he presented as a man, including bit parts in acclaimed projects like "Last Exit to Brooklyn" (1989), "Grief" (1993), "Pulp Fiction" (1994) and "The Wedding Singer" (1998). In 1997, he was the male lead in the well-received gay romantic comedy "I Think I Do."
Arquette's transition to female was documented in the 2007 film "Alexis Arquette: She's My Brother."
More recently, Arquette's career had focused on music and cabaret performances.
A family statement written by Patricia Arquette was posted on Richmond Arquette's Facebook:
Celebrities have begun to react, including Boy George:
R.I.P my sister Alexis Arquette. Another bright light gone out far too soon. Love to the family and all that loved Alexis.
@BoyGeorge