Let me tell you a story about a remarkable woman named Anne Heche. The world lost her exactly one week after a devastating car crash in Los Angeles on August 5. Anne, who was just 53 years old, never woke up from the coma she fell into after the accident. She passed away in a burn unit in Lost Hills, California, on August 12.
"Today we lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend," a representative for Anne shared with People magazine on behalf of her family and loved ones. It's a heartbreaking moment, but the words capture Anne’s essence perfectly.
Anne will be missed by so many, but her legacy lives on through her children, her incredible body of work, and her tireless advocacy for love and acceptance. She was fearless in standing up for what she believed in, and her message will continue to resonate with people for years to come.
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Even though Anne is legally considered deceased under California law, her family confirmed that her heart is still beating. They’ve decided to keep her on life support a little longer to give the OneLegacy Foundation time to find organ recipients who might be a match. Anne was always passionate about organ donation, and this final act of generosity reflects her selfless nature.
The night before, Anne’s loved ones released a statement through her representative. It was a tough update to hear: "Unfortunately, due to her accident, Anne Heche suffered a severe anoxic brain injury and remains in a coma, in critical condition. She is not expected to survive." The family went on to share that Anne had always wanted to be an organ donor, so they were keeping her on life support to determine if any of her organs could help others.
It all started with a terrible crash when Anne lost control of her Mini Cooper and plowed into a house in L.A.’s Mar Vista neighborhood at high speed. Both the car and the house caught fire, and by the time paramedics got to her less than an hour later, she had already endured serious smoke inhalation and severe burns. The situation was dire from the start, but everyone involved did everything they could to save her.
Anne leaves behind two sons who meant the world to her: Homer Laffoon, 20, whom she shared with her ex-husband Coleman Laffoon, and Atlas Tupper, 13, whom she had with her former partner and costar on "Men in Trees," James Tupper. Just before the official announcement of her passing, James posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing "Love you forever" alongside a broken heart emoji. It’s a moment that shows just how deeply Anne touched those around her.
One of Anne’s closest friends, philanthropist Nancy Davis, was among the first to publicly grieve her loss. Before the family had even made an official announcement, Nancy took to Instagram to share her feelings. "Heaven has a new angel. My loving, kind, fun, endearing, and beautiful friend @anneheche went to heaven," she wrote. "I will miss her terribly and cherish all the beautiful memories we have shared. Anne was always the kindest, most thoughtful person who always brought out the best in me."
Anne’s Journey in Hollywood
Anne’s career took off when she landed her first major role playing the twins Marley Love and Vicky Hudson on NBC’s soap opera "Another World" from 1984 to 1992. Her performance earned her a Daytime Emmy, setting the stage for what would become an incredible career. Her big breakout year came in 1997, when she starred in the films "Donnie Brasco" and "Volcano." That same year, she began a relationship with comedian Ellen DeGeneres, making them one of the first openly gay couples in Hollywood.
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During a segment on "Dancing With the Stars" when she competed in season 29, Anne opened up about the challenges she faced after falling in love with Ellen. "My story is a story that created change in the world, moved the needle for equal rights forward, when I fell in love with Ellen DeGeneres," she explained. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding their relationship impacted her career significantly. "I was in a relationship with Ellen DeGeneres for 3 1/2 years, and the stigma attached to that relationship was so bad that I was fired from my multimillion-dollar picture deal, and I did not work in a studio picture for 10 years," she revealed.
Ellen DeGeneres paid tribute to Anne following her passing, tweeting, "This is a sad day. I’m sending Anne’s children, family, and friends all of my love." It’s a reminder of how much Anne meant to so many people in her life, both personally and professionally.
