Alexis Arquette Has Died at Age 47

Alexis Arquette was the brother of Patricia and David Arquette.

ByABC News
September 11, 2016, 9:58 PM

— -- Alexis Arquette, a member of the famous Arquette acting family, died Sunday morning at the age of 47.

The passing of Arquette was announced on Facebook by her brother, Richmond.

Richmond first posted a statement using a masculine pronoun to describe his sister, who was born Robert Arquette, but later deleted it, and replaced it with a statement from Patricia Arquette on behalf of his family, using the feminine pronoun.

"Alexis was born as Robert, our brother. We loved him the moment he arrived. But he came in as more than a sibling -- he came as our great teacher. As Alexis transitioned into being a woman, she taught us tolerance and acceptance. As she moved through her process, she became our sister, teaching us what real love is," she wrote. "We learned what real bravery is through watching her journey of living as a trans woman. We came to discover the one truth -— that love is everything.

"She passed away surrounded by love. We held her and sang her David Bowie’s 'Starman' as she punched through the veil to the other side," the statement continued. "We washed her body in rose petals and surrounded her with flowers."

Arquette began her acting career at the age of 12. She starred in a number of films, including "Of Mice and Men," "Bride of Chucky" and "The Wedding Singer," before documenting her gender transition in the 2007 film, "Alexis Arquette: She's My Brother."

ABC News first used male pronouns to identify Alexis Arquette in deference to how her brother identified her in his Facebook post, and later updated this story in accordance with the Arquette family's newer statement.

Oscar winner Patricia Arquette remembered her sister on Twitter, by sharing the late Bowie's song, "Starman." She added, "Breaking through the veil singing StarMan."

As news of Alexis Arquette's death spread Sunday afternoon, many took to social media to remember her, including Boy George.

The singer wrote on Twitter, "R.I.P my sister Alexis Arquette. Another bright light gone out far too soon. Love to the family and all that loved Alexis."

ABC News reached out to a rep for Alexis and Richmond Arquette. So far, no word back.