'MTV’s 'Real World’ alum Sarah Becker dead at 52
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Sarah Becker, a former star of MTV's 'The Real World: Miami,' has tragically died by suicide at the age of 52. Becker gained fame on the show's fifth season in 1996, when she was a 25-year-old working at WildStorm Comics in La Jolla, California. Known for her lively personality, she described herself as a “19-year-old trapped in a 25-year-old body.”
In the past year, Becker relocated to Illinois to care for her ailing mother and sister. Despite her plans to eventually return to California, she faced significant challenges as a caretaker. Her family reported that she struggled with mental health issues, which were exacerbated by a recent skateboarding accident. These difficulties ultimately led to her untimely death.
'Real World’ co-stars describe Sarah Becker as ‘sunshine of the room’ after demise
Sarah Becker's death has prompted heartfelt tributes from her co-stars and friends, who fondly remember her as the "sunshine of the room." Jeff Mariotte, a former colleague from WildStorm Comics, recalled how she added sunshine to every room she entered and was loved by everyone.
Joel Benjamin remembered her as one of the nicest people he had ever met, always smiling and full of bubbly personality. "Just found out that one of the nicest people that have ever been put in my life, especially during my impressionable ages, has passed away. Every time I thought of her, I would always see her smile and bubbly personality. You were loved and will be missed. RIP Sarah Becker.”
Alé Garza, a comic artist, expressed his sorrow, reminiscing about her infectious smile and how she discovered his art. "Such sad news to wake up to. I’ll never forget seeing your smile as you rolled by the pit in roller skates, complimenting me on my tall socks, making me blush. You were the one who discovered my art in a pile of photocopies. I owe it all to you. An amazing person, over the rainbow, you will be missed. Rest in peace, Sarah Becker."
Why was MTV’s ‘Real World’ canceled?
MTV's 'The Real World,' a groundbreaking reality TV show that debuted in 1992, was canceled after its 32nd season, 'Real World Seattle: Bad Blood,' in 2017. The cancellation was due to several factors. First, the show's ratings had been steadily declining as new forms of entertainment and changing viewer preferences made it difficult to maintain its audience.
The reality TV scene became increasingly competitive, with new shows offering fresh concepts and more dramatic content. Additionally, the original format of 'The Real World,' which focused on real-life interactions and social issues, began to feel less relevant as audiences gravitated towards other types of reality TV, such as competition-based shows.
Furthermore, the rise of social media and digital platforms played a role, as younger viewers preferred short-form content and interactive platforms over traditional TV shows. Although the show briefly returned in 2019 on Facebook Watch with 'The Real World: Atlanta,' it didn't lead to a full revival.
Finally, in 2021, a reunion series, 'The Real World Homecoming: New York,' featuring the original cast, premiered on Paramount+, providing nostalgia but not indicating a reboot to regular production.
