A week after a serious car accident left actress Anne Heche in critical condition, the 53-year-old has passed away. Following the accident in Los Angeles on August 5th, the actress was left in critical condition, suffering from severe burns and ultimately succumbing to a severe anoxic brain injury.
Heche will be remembered not only for her performances in films such asDonnie Brasco,Volcano, andthePsychoremakebut also for her brave and honest stance on LGBTQ and mental health struggles.
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The Guardian confirmed the actress' passing afterHeche’s family gave permissionfor life support to be withdrawn so she could peacefully pass away. Nancy Davis reacted to Heche’s passing in a heartfelt post shared on Instagram. “Heaven has a new Angel. My loving, kind, fun, endearing and beautiful friend @anneheche went to heaven. I will miss her terribly and cherish all the beautiful memories we have shared,” Davis wrote. “Anne was always the kindest, most thoughtful person who always brought out the best in me.”
After days on life support,Heche’s family made the difficult decisionto give permission for life support to be withdrawn. Before she passed, her family gave a statement to Deadline reading, “Anne had a huge heart and touched everyone she met with her generous spirit. More than her extraordinary talent, she saw spreading kindness and joy as her life’s work — especially moving the needle for acceptance of who you love. She will be remembered for her courageous honesty and dearly missed for her light.” The actress had been speeding through a neighborhood in Los Angeles before colliding with the side of a residential property.
While it is easy to focus on the circumstances leading to the accident, what should be focused on is the life and legacy of Heche. She was not afraid to speak her mind and shed light on greater issues surrounding sexuality and mental health. “People are somewhat confused by me and I understand that,” Heche wrote in her memoirCall Me Crazyfrom 2001. “But I also am proud that I’m a woman who represents making difficult choices that bring you to where you want to be.”
Heche was an advocate for healing and for being non-judgemental in life.A true queer iconand hugely talented actress, she will be fondly remembered for her presence on and off the screen. Heche is survived by her two children.
