Alexis Arquette is back in the news, but this time it’s not because of a coveted role she landed. Instead it’s due to a Facebook message in which she slams Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Oscar boycott, claims that the husband and wife are gay, and accuses the “Concussion” star of paying off his first wife after she walked in on him with another man. It was a bold piece of writing, to say the least, which may explain why it’s since been deleted.
But with that in mind, here’s what you need to know about the author of the social media post that has all of Hollywood talking.
She is a transgender woman
Alexis was born Robert Arquette in Los Angeles, Calif., on July 28, 1969. The actress, who has portrayed a number of queer characters during her on-screen career, transitioned in the early ’00s.
She comes from a showbiz family
Yes, Alexis is related to all those other Hollywood Arquettes. She is one of five children — along with Rosanna, Richmond, Patricia and David — all of whom have starred in movies and TV shows both big and small. Her parents, Brenda and Lewis, also acted, as well as her grandfather Cliff, who was also a noted mid-century comic.
She is multi-talented
Like her siblings, Alexis has acted extensively in a career that stretches back to an uncredited role in 1986’s “Down and Out in Beverly Hills.” Since then she’s appeared in a number of movies and TV shows like “Last Exit to Brooklyn,” “The Wedding Singer” and “Xena: Warrior Princess.” But she doesn’t just act; she’s also a musician and cabaret performer.
She is the focus of a documentary
Her transition was the focus of a documentary titled “Alexis Arquette: She’s My Brother.” The film, directed by Matthew Barbato, debuted at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival. Also appearing in the documentary were all of the actress’ immediate family members.
She appeared on ‘The Surreal Life’
Alexis also starred on the sixth and final season of the VH1 reality show “The Surreal Life.” The series, which ran from 2003 until 2006, collected a group of pop culture figures whose moment had supposedly passed and put them together in a mansion in the Hollywood Hills for two weeks.