Rhiannon Ingle
Comedian and actor Alex Duong has died aged 42 following a rare cancer diagnosis.
News of Duong's death came about on Saturday when his friend Hilarie Steele shared the heartbreaking update on his GoFundMe page, which was originally set up to help him regain his sight after being diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in early 2025.
Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) is an aggressive soft tissue cancer.
Duong, best known for his appearances in Blue Bloods and Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle, is survived by his wife, Christina, and their five-year-old daughter, Everest.
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In an update shared over the weekend (28 March), Steele announced: "With the heaviest hearts, we share that our dear Alex passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by love and dear friends.
"He was comfortable and thankfully out of pain."
The statement continued: "Christina and Everest were able to see him last night, and he was alert enough to say goodbye to his little girl, whom he has treasured every moment since the day she was born.
"We are devastated, but so grateful for the support, prayers, and generosity you have all shown during this unimaginable time.
"Your continued support now means everything as Christina and Everest navigate the days ahead and to arrange a beautiful celebration of his life.
"All of us will be by her side to hold her up and help her in every way possible.
"We love you all.
"We will share more when we are able. Thank you for holding this family in your hearts."
The day before (27 March), Steele wrote that Duong was 'fighting for his life' after going into septic shock with a 'severe and life-threatening infection that has overwhelmed his body'.
Duong received his diagnosis after his manager noticed swelling and discolouration in his eye, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Duong explained that it wasn't long after his tumour was labelled as 'extremely aggressive' that he lost vision in his left eye completely.
He spent the majority of the following year in hospitals to undergo chemotherapy and radiation therapy, but the tumours eventually started pushing on his brain, causing him to have seizures.
Duong returned to the hospital earlier this month (12 March) for another round of chemo as the tumours in his spine had 'taken a heavy toll on his body'.
"Christina continues to work full-time while caring for Alex and their five-year-old daughter, Everest," Steele wrote in an update on GoFundMe at the time. "The emotional and physical weight of everything happening is enormous, and some days it’s hard to even process it all."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.