Watch CBS News

'The Wedding Singer' Transgender Actress Alexis Arquette Dies At 47

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Alexis Arquette, a transgender actress in "The Wedding Singer," died Sunday at the age of 47.

"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.," Arquette's brother, Richmond Arquette, said in a Facebook post.

Richmond indicated that Arquette was surrounded by loved ones when she passed away.

"As per his wishes, we cheered at the moment that he transitioned to another dimension. I am feeling immense gratitude to have been afforded the luxury of sharing life with him/her, for learning from Alexis, for being given the gift of being able to love her/him and to be loved by him/her. He was a force," he said.

Richmond went on to say:

"I am feeling immense gratitude to have been afforded the luxury of sharing life with him/her, for learning from Alexis, for being given the gift of being able to love her/him and to be loved by him/her. He was a force. He died as he lived, on his own terms. I am immensely grateful that it was fast and painless. It was an incredibly moving experience and I am humbled and grateful to have been able to have been with him as he began his journey onward. Thank you, Alexis, I love you and will love you always."

Others, like Patricia Arquette and Boy George, posted tributes via Twitter:

 

Though a cause of death was not announced, ETonline.com indicated that Arquette reportedly suffered from an undisclosed illness. The publication also said her death was confirmed by ET Canada.

Other sources, like Variety.com, indicated that Richmond's agent had confirmed Arquette's death.

Damien Nichols was good friends with Arquette.

"I don't know what I'm going to do without her. I really don't...," he told KCAL9's Brittney Hopper.

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.