‘Blue Bloods’ actor Alex Duong dies at 42 after shocking final days revealed

Comedian and actor Alex Duong, best known for his appearances on Blue Bloods and Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle, has died at the age of 42 after a year-long fight with a rare and aggressive cancer.

The news was confirmed by his friend Hilarie Steele in a GoFundMe update on Saturday, March 28, revealing that Duong passed away peacefully that morning after going into septic shock a day earlier.

“With the heaviest hearts, we share that our dear Alex passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by love and dear friends,” Steele wrote, adding that he was “comfortable and thankfully out of pain”.

Final moments with family

Duong is survived by his wife, Christina, and their five-year-old daughter, Everest. According to Steele, both were able to say their goodbyes in his final hours.

“He was alert enough to say goodbye to his little girl, whom he has treasured every moment since the day she was born,” she wrote.

A fundraiser has been set up to support his memorial service, as well as Everest’s education, ongoing care and daily needs.

“Your continued support now means everything as Christina and Everest navigate the days ahead,” Steele added.

Condition worsened rapidly

Just a day before his death, Steele had shared that Duong was “fighting for his life” after developing a severe and life-threatening infection that led to septic shock.

She noted that everything had “changed so quickly”, as his family tried to stay strong during his final hours.

Rare cancer diagnosis and decline

Duong was diagnosed in early 2025 with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that affects soft tissue, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The diagnosis came after his manager noticed unusual swelling and discolouration around his eye. The tumour was later described as “extremely aggressive”.

He eventually lost vision in his left eye and underwent repeated rounds of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, while also battling severe back pain and frequent hospital stays.

In an earlier interview with the Los Angeles Times, Duong described the toll of the illness, saying he felt he was “just being fed and given drugs” while missing time with his family.

Tumours spread to brain and spine

As the cancer progressed, tumours spread to his spine and began pressing on his brain, leading to seizures.

He was hospitalised again on March 12 for another round of chemotherapy as his condition deteriorated further.

At the time, Steele said his wife continued to work full-time while caring for him and their young daughter, describing the emotional and physical strain as “enormous”.

“And yet, Everest continues to bring light into their lives,” she wrote, highlighting the family’s resilience in the face of the illness.