Comedian and Blue Bloods star Alex Duong dies aged 42

Alex Duong, a fixture of the Los Angeles comedy circuit and a television actor, has died at 42 following a battle with a rare and aggressive cancer.

He passed away at St.

John’s Hospital in Santa Monica over the weekend after being hospitalised with septic shock, according to close family friend Hilarie Steele.

‘He was comfortable and thankfully out of pain.

[His wife] Christina and [daughter] 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.’
Duong was previously diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft-tissue cancer that formed a malignant mass that blocked blood flow to his optic nerve, ultimately costing him vision in his left eye.

Even after surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, the disease progressed aggressively.

Before his diagnosis, he had been preparing for an ambitious year: a planned tour spanning 41 states, with several dates alongside Ronny Chieng.

Duong is also known for roles on prominent TV shows, including Blue Bloods, Dexter, Everybody Hates Chris, and Pretty Little Liars, as well as writing for Netflix’s Historical Roasts.

He was perhaps best known for his recurring role as the criminal and gang leader Sonny Le in the American police procedural Blue Bloods, a fan favourite character.

Duong’s impact on his community was evident in their continued support for him and his family as his illness progressed.

His medical bills eventually rose to six figures, prompting friends to organise a GoFundMe to help cover costs and offset lost income.

In August, a lineup of comedians, including Atsuko Okatsuka and Andrea Jin gathered at Largo in Los Angeles for a benefit show titled The Alex Duong Has Cancer In His Eye Comedy Benefit Show.

‘Comedians always have each other’s backs when times are s—.

We know how hard it is to pine and struggle and scrape by in this lifestyle, just so we can do these jokes and keep improving.

It’s a beautiful thing to see in this world; it really is,’ he told the Los Angeles Times about the support.

Duong was born the youngest of six children to Vietnamese and Chinese parents in Dallas, Texas, before moving west to pursue a career in entertainment.

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