‘Blue Bloods’ Actor and Stand-Up Comedian Alex Duong Dies at 42 After Lengthy Battle With Rare Cancer

Duong was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of soft tissue cancer early last year.

Comedian Alex Duong performs during the Laugh Factory hosts "Virtual Telethon To Support Families Of Atlanta Shooting Victims" at The Laugh Factory in West Hollywood, Calif., on March 27, 2021. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Comedian, writer, and actor Alex Duong, best known for his recurring role on the CBS police drama “Blue Bloods,” has died at the age of 42 following a year-long battle with cancer.

Duong died on March 28 in a Los Angeles hospital accompanies by his wife Christina Duong and daughter Everest, according to a GoFundMe campaign created on his behalf.

“With the heaviest hearts, we share that our dear Alex passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by love and dear friends,” his friend, Hilarie Steele, said in an update. “He was comfortable and thankfully out of pain.

“Christina and Everest were able to see him last night, and he was alert enough to say goodbye to his little girl, whom he has treasured every moment since the day she was born,” Steele continued.

“We are devastated, but so grateful for the support, prayers, and generosity you have all shown during this unimaginable time.“

Duong was diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the soft tissue, in early 2025. His condition rapidly worsened over the weekend, after he went into septic shock.

“Right now, Alex is fighting for his life,” read Steele’s update from March 27. “He has gone into septic shock, a severe and life-threatening infection that has overwhelmed his body.”

“He is in the hospital, and the situation is critical,” the post continued. “Everything has changed so quickly. Christina is by his side, trying to stay strong while navigating the unimaginable.”

Duong told The Los Angeles Times last year that his cancer diagnosis came after experiencing symptoms that affected his vision, which led to the discovery of a malignant mass that was blocking blood flow to his optic nerve.

At the time, the stand-up comedian met with two top oncologists, who ultimately advised against performing surgery to remove the tumor. They cited the surgery being extremely high-risk which could lead to Duong permanently losing his vision.

In February of 2025, Duong quickly began cancer treatments including chemotherapy infusions and radiation. Seven months later, he suffered a seizure which placed him in critical care, after the tumor had grown and the cancer spread to his spine.

“The cancer in his spine has taken a heavy toll on his body, and he can barely walk,” Steele wrote on March 12. “He has been admitted back into the hospital to receive another round of chemotherapy.”

Duong built a versatile career across live comedy and acting, appearing in a number of popular television shows including “Everybody Hates Chris,” “Dexter,” “90210,” “The Young and the Restless,” “Pretty Little Liars,” and more.

A memorial service will be held at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on April 17 as the family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made towards his daughter in support of her future. 

“All who knew and loved Alex are welcome to come together to celebrate his life, his light, and the incredible impact he had on so many,” read the March 30 update.