Sarah Becker, known for her role on season 5 of MTV’s The Real World, has passed away at the age of 52. Becker, who appeared on the 1996 season set in Miami, died by suicide last week at her home in Illinois, according to a family member who spoke with TMZ on Sunday, June 23.
Becker had relocated to Illinois the previous year to care for her mother and sister but had intended to return to California eventually.
In the time leading up to her death, Becker reportedly faced mental health struggles and was involved in a skateboarding accident.
At 25, Becker joined The Real World for its fifth season. On the show, she described herself as a “19-year-old trapped in a 25-year-old body.”
Originally from La Jolla, California, Becker was working in the comic book industry at that time, employed by Wildstorm Productions (or WildStorm).
Fans of the show might recall her bringing a puppy, named Leroy, to the house in the 13th episode of the season. Her castmates included Dan Renzi, Melissa Padrón, Joe Patane, Cynthia Roberts, Flora Alekseyeva, and Mike Lambert.
In response to her passing, Becker’s friends took to social media to share their memories of her.
“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!” Daniel Norton posted on Facebook.
Norton continued, “I think Sarah was always one of those people that after you’ve met them, you have a fond memory or a funny story with them in it. Something you can always look back on and share with who you’re with. That was her power.”
Joel Benjamin also shared several photos of Becker on Facebook, along with a touching tribute, calling her “one [of] the nicest people” he had ever met.
“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,” Benjamin wrote. “Every time I thought of her, I would always see her smile and bubbly personality. You were loved and will be missed.”
Jeff Mariotte, an author, also honored Becker on Facebook. “I saw the news today that we’ve lost one of everyone’s favorite WildStorm folks, Sarah Becker,” he wrote.
“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).”
Mariotte concluded, “She added sunshine to every room she entered, the fans loved her, and so did we all. Fair winds, Sarah. We’ll miss you.”
