“With the heaviest hearts, we share that our dear Alex passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by love and dear friends,” said Hilarie Steele, reflecting the profound loss felt by those who knew him.
Alex Duong, 42, succumbed to a year-long battle with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, on Saturday morning at St John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California. His death followed a critical episode of septic shock the night before.
Duong was not only a beloved figure in the comedy scene but also a dedicated family man. He is survived by his wife, Cristina, and their daughter, Everest. His commitment to his craft was evident, as he had been set to perform across 41 states before his diagnosis.
Throughout his illness, Duong underwent multiple rounds of treatment, often seen wearing an eye patch due to his condition. His resilience and humor shone through, as he once remarked, “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.”
Duong’s contributions to the entertainment industry included appearances in three episodes of the police drama Blue Bloods as Sonny Le, and he was a writer for Netflix’s Historical Roast With Jeff Ross.
His passing has left a significant void in the comedy community, where he was a member of SAG-AFTRA since 2009. A GoFundMe campaign was established to support his family during this challenging time.
As tributes pour in from fellow comedians and fans alike, Duong’s legacy as a performer and a friend will undoubtedly be remembered. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any memorial services or tributes planned in his honor.