Alex Duong, Blue Bloods Actor and Comedian, Dies at 42
Alex Duong, a comedian and actor known for his appearances on Blue Bloods and Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle, has died at the age of 42. His friend Hilarie Steele confirmed the news on GoFundMe on Saturday, March 28.
"With the heaviest hearts, we share that our dear Alex passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by love and dear friends," Steele wrote.
He is survived by his wife, Christina, and their 5-year-old daughter, Everest.
His Final Days
Duong's death came one day after he went into septic shock from a severe and life-threatening infection. Steele described the turn of events as happening "so quickly," with both Christina and Duong trying to stay strong in his final hours.
Despite the rapid decline, Duong was alert enough to say goodbye to his family before he passed.
"He was alert enough to say goodbye to his little girl, whom he has treasured every moment since the day she was born," Steele wrote. "He was comfortable and thankfully out of pain."
A Rare and Aggressive Diagnosis
Duong was diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in early 2025 — a rare and aggressive cancer affecting soft tissue. The diagnosis came after his manager noticed that his eye appeared swollen and discolored, as though it was about to fall out, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Not long after doctors labeled his tumor "extremely aggressive," Duong lost vision in his left eye entirely.
The cancer progressed rapidly. Tumors eventually pushed on his brain, causing seizures. By March 12, he was back in the hospital for another round of chemotherapy as tumors in his spine had taken a heavy toll on his body.
A Grueling Year of Treatment
In the year following his diagnosis, Duong endured chemotherapy and radiation therapy while managing what he described as excruciating back pain. He made frequent visits to hospitals throughout the course of his treatment.
Adding to the difficulty, Duong struggled to meet guild minimums for health insurance as a member of SAG-AFTRA — a financial strain that compounded an already devastating situation.
"I just felt like I was being fed and given drugs, sitting there getting fat and missing my family," he told the Los Angeles Times.
His Family Carried the Weight
Throughout his illness, Duong's wife Christina worked full-time while caring for him and their young daughter. Steele described the emotional and physical toll as enormous.
"Some days it's hard to even process it all," she wrote on GoFundMe. "And yet, Everest continues to bring light into their lives. Children have a way of reminding us to keep going, even in the hardest moments."
A GoFundMe was set up to help cover Duong's memorial service as well as Everest's education, ongoing care, and daily support for the family.
"We are devastated, but so grateful for the support, prayers and generosity you have all shown during this unimaginable time," Steele wrote.
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