**Reality Show Cast Member Sarah Becker Dies at 52**
Sarah Becker, a former cast member of MTV’s “The Real World,” has tragically passed away at the age of 52. Her family confirmed to TMZ that Becker died by suicide last week at her home in Illinois. Becker had moved to Illinois last year to care for her ailing mother and sister, but she had plans to return to California.
Becker’s journey into the public eye began in 1996 when she joined the cast of “The Real World” Season 5, which was set in Miami. At the time, she was 25 years old and working in the comic book industry for Wildstorm Productions in La Jolla, California. On the show, she described herself as a “19-year-old trapped in a 25-year-old body.”
One of the memorable moments from her time on “The Real World” was when she brought a puppy named Leroy back to the house in the 13th episode of the season. Her co-stars included Dan Renzi, Melissa Padrón, Joe Patane, Cynthia Roberts, Flora Alekseyeva, and Mike Lambert.
In the years following her appearance on the show, Becker continued to be remembered fondly by her friends and colleagues. After news of her death broke, many took to social media to share their memories and pay tribute to her.
Daniel Norton, a friend and colleague from Wildstorm Productions, posted on Facebook, “Sarah Becker was made of pure sunshine… Full of energy and positivity, you couldn’t help but feel her warmth standing in her presence. I am grateful for our adventures and laughs. Big hugs to all the Wildstorm fam!”
Joel Benjamin, another friend, shared several photos of Becker on Facebook, along with a heartfelt message. “I just found out that one of the nicest people that have ever been put in my life, especially during my impressionable ages, has passed away. Every time I thought of her, I would always see her smile and bubbly personality. You were loved and will be missed.”
Author Jeff Mariotte also paid tribute to Becker on Facebook, writing, “I saw the news today that we’ve lost one of everyone’s favorite WildStorm folks, Sarah Becker. Even if you weren’t into comics in the 90s, you might remember her from ‘The Real World’ (and from the opening episode of her season, some of which was filmed in our offices and at Sarah’s wild going-away party). She added sunshine to every room she entered, the fans loved her, and so did we all. Fair winds, Sarah. We’ll miss you.”
Becker’s family revealed that she had been struggling with her mental health in recent months, exacerbated by the stress of being a caretaker and a recent skateboarding accident. Her death has left a void in the hearts of those who knew her and admired her.
Dan Renzi, one of Becker’s co-stars from “The Real World,” expressed his sadness on Instagram, saying, “Sarah and I had not spoken since the end of our show, so I don’t know anything about her struggles. The seven of us in that cast went through a bizarre, intense, and sometimes traumatic experience together, and that creates a connection between people, even when they choose not to associate with each other. I can only say, it’s very sad.”
Cynthia Roberts, another cast member, posted a tribute on Instagram, writing, “RIP Roomy. I pray there’s happiness for you on the other side,” alongside a photo of Becker.
Flora Alekseyeva also shared her grief on Instagram, stating, “I am beyond myself and sad to just hear that my roommate Sarah died. I can’t believe this. She was the most selfless person I knew. She was always kind and helpful to everyone. I haven’t spoken to her in years and never knew she was troubled. My prayers go out to her family. RIP my roommate, my friend. May you skate with angels and never feel pain again.”
Becker’s time on “The Real World” was a significant chapter in her life, but she had always been clear that it was not a stepping stone to bigger and better things. In a 1997 interview with the Chicago Tribune, she said, “For me, ‘The Real World’ was a six-month-long vacation. I knew from the get-go that it couldn’t be a stepping stone to bigger and better things. I want my own magazine someday, and I don’t think Sarah from ‘The Real World’ is going to have anything to do with that.”
She also confessed to not enjoying the attention that came with being on reality TV, often trying to hide her identity when out in public. “I kind of liked being anonymous. Now I go into a place, and people recognize me and say, ‘Hey, Real World girl!’ So when I go out, I sometimes wear a hood,” she said.
Sarah Becker’s death is a stark reminder of the importance of mental health and the struggles that many people face in silence. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
Source: TMZ, Facebook, Chicago Tribune
