Alex Duong, best known for his appearances in the TV series Blue Bloods, passed away on March 28, 2026, at the age of 42 after a year-long battle with a rare and aggressive cancer.

According to reports, he had been diagnosed in early 2025 with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a serious form of soft tissue cancer. His health worsened in his final days after he went into septic shock, and he died in a hospital in Santa Monica, surrounded by his family.

His death was confirmed by his close family friend Hilarie Steele, who shared the news on a GoFundMe page created to support his family. The post read:

“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.”

Apart from Blue Bloods, where he played the recurring role of Sonny Le, he appeared in several popular shows over the years. His notable credits include Dexter, Everybody Hates Chris, Mad TV, The Young and the Restless, and 90210.

Alex Duong, Blue Bloods actor and comedian, dies at 42 after rare cancer battle

Alex Duong first shared the details of his diagnosis in an interview with the L.A. Times in April 2025. He explained that the ordeal began with a persistent, sharp headache that felt like it was “pulsing” directly behind his eyes.

Initially, he dismissed it as stress or a routine ailment, but the situation became serious when his left eye began to bulge outward. The change was so dramatic and visible that while Alex was at his day job, his supervisor was alarmed enough to immediately send him home to seek medical help.

Further testing revealed a malignant mass pressing against his optic nerve, leading to the official diagnosis of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. The tumor eventually caused Alex to lose vision in his left eye, requiring him to wear an eye patch during his public appearances.

Despite the terrifying progression, including a seizure and a fall in early 2026, Alex remained a fixture in the comedy scene, often joking about his condition to maintain his spirits.

In an earlier update shared on the GoFundMe page, Hilarie Steele revealed that Alex Duong had gone into septic shock on Friday, marking a sudden and serious turn in his condition. She described the situation as critical, saying he was “fighting for his life,” and noted how rapidly things had worsened.

Steele added that “everything has changed so quickly,” highlighting how his health declined in a short span of time, leaving loved ones deeply worried and unprepared for the sudden escalation.

In a message shared after his passing, Hilarie Steele spoke about Alex Duong’s final moments and expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support received from well-wishers during this difficult time. The message reads:

“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.”

Alex Duong was married to Christina Duong, a dental professional. Together, they had one daughter, Everest, who is five years old.

Also read: Top Gun and Back to the Future actor James Tolkan passes away at 94.