Transgender Model And Actor Alexis Arquette Dies At 47

Alexis Arquette, a transgender actress who appeared in dozens of films including "The Wedding Singer" and "Pulp Fiction" during a decades-long career, has died.

She was 47.

The film star's family confirmed her death on Sunday. Her brother Richmond Arquette said she passed away while her siblings sang "Starman" by David Bowie early Sunday morning, according to a statement released via Facebook.

"In the days leading to her death, she told us she was already visiting the other side, and that where she was going, there was only one gender. That on the other side, we are free from all of the things that separate us in this life, and that we are all one," the release read.

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A cause of death has not yet been revealed, but she had reportedly been suffering from an undisclosed illness.

Arquette, born Robert, was known as a champion for transgender rights and revealed her transition in 2006.

Arquette's siblings David and Patricia also found fame in the entertainment world.

Singer and entertainer Boy George, whom Arquette impersonated in the classic 1998 rom-com "The Wedding Singer," offered his condolences on Twitter on Sunday.

"R.I.P my sister Alexis Arquette," he wrote. "Another bright light gone out far too soon. Love to the family and all that loved Alexis."


Arquette played a Boy George impersonator in "The Wedding Singer." (THE WEDDING SINGER/WARNER BROS.)
Arquette broke into the film industry as a 19-year-old in 1989, portraying a transvestite named Georgette in "Last Exit to Brooklyn."

From there, Arquette went on to land a series of movie roles, often as a member of the supporting cast. Among the most notable flicks she appeared in are "Pulp Fiction," "Threesome" and "Bride of Chucky."

She also guest starred on episodes of "Friends," "Roseanne" and "Xena: Warrior Princess."


Arquette also appeared in "Pulp Fiction." (PULP FICTION/MIRAMAX)
Her transition was documented in the 2007 documentary "Alexis Arquette: She's My Brother," which included appearances by members of her family. The documentary premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.

On Sunday morning, Patricia Arquette shared a link to a YouTube video featuring the "Starman" audio to her Twitter page.

"Breaking through the veil singing StarMan," she tweeted.