Saying goodbye. Celebrities paid tribute to Anne Heche after the actress’ death at age 53 following the car crash that left her comatose.
Us Weekly confirmed on Friday, August 12, that the former All Rise star was declared legally dead after falling into a coma following the accident one week prior. She was taken off life support two days later after matches were found for organ donations, per Heche’s last wishes.
James Gunn was quick to sing the late star’s praises on Friday, calling Heche’s role in Proof the “best acting performance I’ve ever seen” in a Twitter tribute. Kyle Richards was among many other celebrities who sent love to the Brave alum’s family amid the tragedy via social media.
Heche crashed her car into a home in Los Angeles on August 5, sustaining severe burns after her vehicle was engulfed in flames. A rep for the Volcano actress initially told Us that the Ohio native was in stable condition after the incident, but things later took a turn for the worse.
“At this time she is in extreme critical condition. She has a significant pulmonary injury requiring mechanical ventilation and burns that require surgical intervention,” the representative explained on August 8. “She is in a coma and has not regained consciousness since shortly after the accident.”
Three days later, the spokesperson announced that Heche would likely not recover from her injuries. “Unfortunately, due to her accident, Anne Heche suffered a severe anoxic brain injury and remains in a coma, in critical condition,” the rep told Us, noting that the Men in Trees alum had “long” wanted to be an organ donor. “She is not expected to survive.”
The rep added of the star’s legacy: “Anne had a huge heart and touched everyone she met with her generous spirit. More than her extraordinary talent, she saw spreading kindness and joy as her life’s work — especially moving the needle for acceptance of who you love. She will be remembered for her courageous honesty and dearly missed for her light.”
After the accident, Heche’s ex-boyfriend James Tupper asked fans to share their “thoughts and prayers” for the Daytime Emmy winner. The Wag the Dog actress and the Revenge alum, who dated for more than a decade before their 2018 split, shared son Atlas, who was born in March 2009. The Cedar Rapids star also shared son Homer (born in March 2002) with ex-husband Coleman Laffoon.
Thomas Jane, who dated Heche from 2019 to 2020, also sent well-wishes to the actress following the accident. “While Anne and I are no longer an item, today’s tragic news was devastating to me and to all who love her,” the Deep Blue Sea actor, who starred alongside Heche in the HBO series Hung, told the Daily Mail on August 6. “My heart goes out to Anne and her two sons. … My thoughts and prayers are with Anne, one of the true talents of her generation.”
Alec Baldwin, who starred on Broadway with Heche in a 2004 production of the play Twentieth Century, also honored his former costar via social media. “Hey, I just wanted to send out my best wishes and all my love to Anne Heche,” the 30 Rock alum said in an Instagram video posted on August 6. “Anne is an old pal of mine and I did a movie with her — a very ‘90s thriller called The Juror with Demi Moore, [who] was the star of the film.”
The Emmy winner went on to praise the “amazingly talented” actress and offer his “love and support” to her friends and family. “There’s not a lot of women [who] I’ve worked with that are brave in the way that Anne is brave,” Baldwin continued. “I mean, Anne was really, really … she would do anything [and] she was very original and very brave.”
Keep scrolling for more celebrity tributes to Heche following her death:
Robert De Niro
“I’m very sad to hear of the tragic passing of Anne Heche,” the Meet the Fockers actor told Entertainment Tonight in a Saturday statement. “She was a wonderful actress and I enjoyed working with her tremendously in Wag the Dog. Sad! Sad! Sad!”
Priyanka Chopra Jonas
“My heart goes out to Anne Heche’s children, family, friends and everyone who grieves,” the Quantico alum wrote via Instagram Story on Friday. “It was an honor to have known you and worked by your side. You were a lovely person and an incredible actress.”
She added: “You will always have a special place in my heart. Rest in power, Anne.”
Carrie Ann Inaba
“Anne was one of the stars on @dancingwiththestars that truly touched my heart,” the ABC personality wrote via Instagram. “Her personal story was one that reached into my heart and squeezed it. I could feel the pain she felt, and I could also feel her resilient and courageous soul. And it was touching.”
She continued: “Anne, I just wanted to say I’m grateful to have had the chance to SEE you. You had a great impact on many of us not only with your talent, but also with your free spirit.”
Kaitlyn Bristowe
“Rest in peace @anneheche,” the former Bachelorette wrote via Instagram Story, sharing a throwback Zoom screenshot with her fiancé, Jason Tartick, and the late actress.
James Gunn
“Honest to God, I think maybe the best acting performance I’ve ever seen in my life was Anne Heche in PROOF on Broadway. #RIP,” the 56-year-old filmmaker tweeted.
Ellen DeGeneres
“This is a sad day,” the comedian, who dated Heche from 1997 to 2000, wrote via Twitter. “I’m sending Anne’s children, family and friends all of my love.
Rosanna Arquette
“Rest In Peace now Anne,” the 63-year-old actress tweeted.
James Tupper
“Love you forever ?,” Heche’s ex wrote via Instagram.
Kyle Richards
“I’m so sorry ? Thinking of you and both her boys,” the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, 53, commented on Tupper’s post.
Jason Antoon
The NCIS: Hawaii star, 50, also replied to Tupper’s message with a note from him and wife Seana Kofoed, writing, “Seana and I are sending so much love to you and the boys❤️❤️❤️.”
Lauren Tom
“Remembering #anneheche for her talent, light, kindness & professionalism,” the 61-year-old actress wrote via Twitter. “I had the pleasure of knowing and working with her back in 2006-2008 on #menintrees Sending her and her family love, as well as those involved in this heartbreaking series of events…?.”
