Sarah Becker, a beloved alum of MTV’s “The Real World,” passed away at the end of June by suicide at the age of 52. Her family confirmed that she died at her home in Illinois. Becker had moved to Illinois last year to care for her ailing mother and sister but had plans to return to California.
Becker starred in Season 5 of “The Real World,” which aired in 1996 when she was 25. At that time, she was employed by Wildstorm Comics in La Jolla, California, and was well-known for describing herself as “a 19-year-old in a 25-year-old’s body.”
Her family reported that Becker had been struggling with mental health issues, exacerbated by her role as a caretaker and a recent skateboarding accident. Her father had also recently passed away in February 2024.
Friends and colleagues have turned to social media to honor Becker, recalling her as an energetic and uplifting individual. Jeff Mariotte, an author and former coworker at Wildstorm Comics, posted on Facebook, “Sarah brightened every room she walked into. She was adored by fans, and we all cherished her.”
Joel Benjamin, a friend from her “Real World” days, expressed his sorrow, writing, “I just found out that one of the nicest people who ever existed in my life has passed away. Whenever I thought of her, I saw her smile and cheerful personality. You were loved and will be missed.”
Comic artist Alé Garza credited Becker with his artistic discovery, expressing his gratitude by saying, “I owe it all to you. You were an amazing person and will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, Sarah Becker.”
Sarah Becker’s impact extended beyond her reality TV fame. Her time on “The Real World” was marked by her unique personality and ability to connect with her castmates and viewers. Following the show, she continued to leave her imprint on the comic book industry, contributing to numerous projects at Wildstorm Comics.
Becker’s passing highlights the importance of mental health awareness, especially for those in caregiving roles. Her family and friends have urged anyone struggling with similar issues to seek help.