'The Wedding Singer' actress Alexis Arquette dies at 47

Transgender actress Alexis Arquette, best known for her roles in films like “The Wedding Singer,” and sibling of actors David, Rosanna, Richmond and Patricia Arquette, died early Sunday morning in Los Angeles. The cause of death has not yet been announced by the family.

The US media say that the actress died after a “lengthy illness.” She was surrounded by her siblings. Arquette’s brother, Richmond, confirmed her death in a Facebook post.

Our sister, Alexis Arquette, passed away this morning, September 11th, 2016.” he wrote.

“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."

Richmond said that in Alexis’ final moments, David Bowie’s “Starman” was playing. Patricia later posted a link to the song on her Twitter account.

Her brother David also took to Twitter to share his condolences.

A versatile performer, Arquette’s big break came in the 1989 adaptation of “Last Exit to Brooklyn,” where she played the role of a transgender sex worker, Georgette. She was just visiting New York with her sister Patricia who was up for a role in the film but was pregnant at the time.

“They asked me if I wanted to read for a role because they knew that I’d done a drag thing at one of my friend’s clubs,” Alexis said in 1999 Index Magazine interview. “I ended up getting the job, basically through my sister. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have been in New York. But nobody gives you a job, you’ve got to earn it on your own. I would never want anyone to think there’s some kind of cachet to my name.”

Her long list of credits comprises mostly of low-budget and independent fare. Alexis also performed in nightclubs and cabarets, sometimes under the name of Eva Destruction. She also appeared in season 6 of the VH1 reality series, “The Surreal Life,” after which she was credited for being responsible for increased awareness and visibility to the transgender community.