REAL WORLD Star Sean Sasser Dies at Age 44

Sean Sasser, who starred on the MTV reality series REAL WORLD, has passed away at 44 from mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the lungs.

The AIDS activist married his Real World co-star Pedro Zamora on television nearly a decade before gay marriage was legalized in the state of California. The event is considered a landmark in TV history. Zamore died in 1994.

Sasser's co-star, Judd Winick, paid tribute to his friend on Twitter, posting a collage of photos (at left) along with the caption: "Our friend Sean Sasser has died. Our love goes out to his family & husband Michael. We will miss u so much."

Photo courtesy of @JuddWinick

Need more TV Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Summer season, discounts & more...