RIP Brian Turk — 'Beverly Hills, 90210' Actor Dead At 49
He lost his battle with cancer.
Getty Brian Turk, an actor known for his roles on Beverly Hills, 90210 and on HBO's Carnivale, has died. He was 49 years old. He was also known for roles in ER and Boy Meets World. He appeared in films including American Pie 2, Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles and The Lost World: Jurassic Park. How did Brian Turk die?
1. He had cancer
Brian Turk died after a battle with cancer. He was diagnosed just over a year ago and it became terminal this spring. He died on September 13, 2019.
2. A working actor
Brian Turk may not have achieved superstardom but he was a working actor with an impressive array of roles including supporting roles in series including Two and a Half Men, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Jamie Foxx Show, Step by Step Wings, Beverly Hills, 90210, Boy Meets World, ER, Criminal Minds, General Hospital, Animal Kingdom NCIS and others.
3. His family
Brian leaves behind his wife, Emily Wu, and an eight-year-old son. A GoFundMe has been set up to help his family with expenses as Brian was the sole breadwinner in their family. The GoFundMe reads: “Just over a year ago our dear friend, Brian Turk, was diagnosed with cancer. Being the selfless and private person that he is, Brian kept this quiet so as not to concern his family and friends. Unfortunately, the cancer has now become terminal. Brian has impacted so many of us in a positive way whether it be on the football field, at Mater Dei or USC, on stage or in our personal lives. He has always been there for us in our times of need and celebration.
Brian wants to fight this battle as he has a wife & an 8 year old son, who calls him his best friend. His will to live is strong but this is expensive. Brian has been the breadwinner supporting his family as his wife has been physically unable to work full time.
As a community we need to keep Brian & his family in our prayers during this time. We need to consider him & his family long term. They need our support for his son's future. If you have the ability to donate any assistance will be greatly appreciated.
At this time the family is requesting privacy while they deal with and process Brian's diagnosis & enjoy these moments together."
4. His best known role
Turk is best known for his starring role on HBO's Carnivale in the early 2000s, in which he played strongman Gabriel, who was part of the travelling circus depicted in the series.
5. Who was he on 90210?
Brian Turk played the role of Tiny in two 1995 episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210.
6. Tribute from friend
On Saturday, actor Michael Patrick McGill tweeted a selfie with Turk, writing: "Gone WAY too soon. Years of solid work. Will miss seeing you in the trenches, Brother. Condolences & best wishes to his family, especially his wife & young son."
Amy Lamare is a Los Angeles based writer and editor covering entertainment, pop culture, beauty, fashion, fitness, technology, and the intersection of technology, business, and philanthropy. You can find her on Instagram and Facebook.