Beverly Hills, 90210 Actor Brian Turk Dies At 49

Actor Brian Turk, best known for his role as Tiny on Beverly Hills, 90210, sadly passed away due to complications from cancer on Friday, Sep. 13, 2019, Page Six reports. He was 49.

In July 2019, a GoFundMe page named "In Support of the Brian Turk Family" was set up in an effort to help fund the actor's treatments amid his battle with the disease. "Just over a year ago our dear friend, Brian Turk, was diagnosed with cancer," the page reads. "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." The post noted that although Turk's "will to live" was strong, the cost of medical care took a financial toll on the family, as he was the sole "breadwinner" since his wife was "physically unable to work full time." 

At the time of this writing, $30,035 of the $50,000 goal has been reached. However, the page will remain active to financially assist his family. "Please continue to share this Go Fund Me and I will send out funeral arrangements once they are finalized," an update read shortly after Turk's death. "Thank you for the continued support for the Turk family."

According to his IMDb page, Brian Turk's first on-screen acting role was as Player #2 on the family sitcom Step By Step, which starred Suzanne Somers and Patrick Duffy, in 1993. He then carved out work as a reliable character actor until 2017. 

With roles in HBO's Carnivale, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Two and a Half Men, General Hospital, ER, Boy Meets World, Nash Bridges, Wings, and NCIS: Los Angeles, Turk showed his diverse range in numerous television shows. On the big screen, Turk lent his talents to such films as Big Fat Liar, Steven Spielberg's A.I. Artificial Intelligence, and The Lost World: Jurassic Park.

Turk is survived by his wife, Emily Wu, and the couple's 8-year-old son. On Monday, Sept. 16, the actor's rep told TheWrap that the Turk family "just asks that we respect their privacy during this time of loss." Our thoughts remain with Brian Turk's loved ones during this difficult time.