“With the heaviest hearts, we share that our dear Alex passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by love and dear friends. He was comfortable and thankfully out of pain,” announced Hilarie Steele on March 28, 2026. The news comes after a prolonged battle with cancer that claimed the life of the beloved actor at just 42 years old.

Duong, who portrayed Sonny Le on the popular television series Blue Bloods from 2021 to 2024, was diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. His diagnosis followed troubling symptoms, including a headache and a noticeable bulge in his left eye, which ultimately led to the discovery of a malignant mass blocking blood flow to his optic nerve.

Despite undergoing chemotherapy and white blood cell injections to boost his immune system, Duong’s condition deteriorated rapidly. He spent two and a half weeks in the hospital after his diagnosis and went into septic shock shortly before his passing.

Duong is survived by his wife, Christina, and their five-year-old daughter, Everest. Steele added, “He was alert enough to say goodbye to his little girl, whom he has treasured every moment since the day she was born.”

The community has rallied around Duong and his family, with a GoFundMe page set up in February 2025 to support them during his treatment. The page garnered significant attention, reflecting the deep affection fans and colleagues had for the actor.

In a poignant reflection, one colleague remarked, “I always thought he was an interesting performer and comic, and I had always wanted to work with him.” Duong’s contributions to the entertainment industry, particularly as an Asian male actor, were significant, as he navigated a landscape where such representation has historically been limited.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any upcoming tributes or memorials planned in his honor. However, the impact of Duong’s work and his fight against cancer will undoubtedly resonate within the industry and among his fans for years to come.