Francine Beppu, the reality TV personality known for her role on Showtime’s “The Real L Word,” has passed away at 43. A family representative confirmed to TMZ on Sunday that Beppu died on Feb. 17 at her home in Honolulu, Hawaii. The cause of death has not been revealed.
In a statement issued Monday, Beppu’s family celebrated her “radiant light” and “the tremendous impact she had on everyone around her.” They shared their gratitude for knowing how deeply she was loved and how her memory would continue to shine. The family asked for privacy as they cope with their “unimaginable loss” and said details about a future celebration of life would be announced later.
Beppu joined the cast of “The Real L Word” in 2011 for its second season alongside her then-girlfriend Claire Moseley. The series, which debuted on June 20, 2010, and ran until 2012, followed the personal lives and romantic relationships of LGBTQ+ women living mostly in Los Angeles, with the final season shifting to Brooklyn, New York.
At 28, Beppu became a central cast member on the show. One of the defining moments of her storyline was her on-camera coming-out conversation with her mother—a moment that resonated far beyond the series. She later noted that her journey inspired other closeted Asian lesbians who saw themselves in her experience.
In a 2022 video interview with Sa’Ke Film Group for National Coming Out Day, Beppu reflected on the significance of sharing her story: “I didn’t realize my coming out story would have such an impact on other people in the way that it did.”
The only child of a Sansei father and a Japanese-born mother, Beppu — whose full name was Francine “Naoko” Beppu — grew up in Nu’uanu, Oahu. She remained closeted until her time at New York University’s Stern School of Business, where she began to fully embrace her identity. Early in her career, she worked at Sony Electronics and Viacom, contributing to the launch of Logo, the first LGBTQ+ cable network. She later relocated to Los Angeles, where she eventually joined the cast of the reality show.
After leaving “The Real L Word” following its second season, Beppu returned to Hawaii. In the fall of 2017, she saw the Honolulu Pride parade from her condo along Ala Moana Boulevard—an experience that inspired her to become involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy. Following a town hall meeting for Honolulu Pride, she began volunteering with the Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation.
Starting as a volunteer, Beppu later co-chaired the marketing committee and eventually joined the board of directors. She rose to become the chairman of the board of the Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation, where she oversaw strategic planning, fundraising, and development efforts for Honolulu Pride, which supported other local nonprofits.
Her advocacy reached beyond nonprofit leadership. In October 2022, Beppu contributed her coming-out story to the Hawaii Herald’s Pride issue, offering encouragement to a new generation of LGBTQ+ individuals exploring their identities.
Professionally, Beppu served as vice president of network strategy for NMG Network, where she helped develop innovative approaches for distributing original content to global travelers. In 2025, she founded Badliars Collective, a women-led public benefit corporation and golf-focused organization designed to “drive inclusivity” by “uplifting historically underrepresented groups and celebrating diversity in all its forms.”
Her final social media posts from late December 2025 hinted at upcoming ventures for her brand. She mentioned “big announcements dropping soon” and highlighted a collaboration for a golf tournament scheduled for April 2026.
Beppu’s evolution from reality TV figure to community leader reflected her dedication to authenticity and public service. Although “The Real L Word” brought her national recognition, her true legacy emerged through her advocacy in Hawaii, where she worked to build inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking acceptance and community.
The show that introduced her to a wide audience also provided meaningful representation for LGBTQ+ viewers who seldom saw their lives portrayed in mainstream media. Her decision to share her coming-out journey on-screen offered crucial visibility at a time when such representation remained scarce, especially for Asian LGBTQ+ communities.
As news of her passing spread across entertainment media, friends, colleagues, and fans honored Beppu’s kindness and her commitment to fostering positive change. Her legacy endures through the partnerships she formed, the initiatives she championed, and the inclusive communities she helped nurture in Hawaii and beyond.
