The brother of “That ’70s Show” star Laura Prepon has died from a heart condition that had not been detected, the actress revealed in a social media post on Aug. 5, 2026. Brad Prepon was 48 when he died July 15.
The actress, 46, shared the news more than two weeks after her brother’s death, explaining that the family had held services for him during the weekend of August 1. In her announcement, she emphasized the importance of listening to one’s body and consulting doctors when health concerns arise.
“He passed away suddenly from an unknown heart condition — it was a devastating shock,” Prepon wrote, accompanying her words with photographs that chronicled their years together as siblings. She called on followers to embrace those they care about and to take warning signs seriously rather than ignoring them.
A Life Defined by Curiosity and Connection
Brad Prepon relocated to California in 2002 and maintained strong bonds with Laura and their three other sisters. His obituary highlighted a man captivated by learning, particularly about world history, with World War II holding special fascination for him.
He was described as someone with an analytical mind and a drive to understand construction and mechanics. Fitness and wellness mattered deeply to him, as did spending time with family during holidays and enjoying evenings out. Those close to him recalled a personality that left lasting impressions.
Tennis and historical study were among his interests, but the obituary stressed that his warmth and distinctive character were what people remembered most. The family’s tribute noted that his influence on those around him was profound, and that his absence would be felt deeply.
Laura Prepon’s Public Message on Loss
In sharing news of Brad’s passing, the actress blended mourning with an urgent plea rooted in how he died. Because his cardiac issue had never been diagnosed, she framed her message as a caution: recognize symptoms and act on them without hesitation.
She described her brother as irreplaceable and said she would carry him with her always. His obituary underscored that he was an inimitable presence whose memory would endure through the traits that defined him uniquely.
Career and Personal Struggles
Laura Prepon became widely recognized for playing Donna Pinciotti, the redheaded character on “That ’70s Show,” which aired from 1998 to 2006. She returned to the role for “That ’90s Show.” Later, she gained fresh recognition portraying Alex Vause, a dark-haired former associate of a drug cartel, on “Orange Is the New Black.”
The actress has faced challenges in her personal life. She and actor Ben Foster separated in 2024, with Prepon alleging habitual drunkenness and cruelty on his part. Foster countered that cohabitation had become unsafe and inappropriate. The two share two children.
Prepon has been forthright about her battle with an eating disorder. In her memoir, “You and I, As Mothers,” she revealed that her mother had instructed her in bulimic behavior, a childhood trauma that persisted even after she healed. She said sharing her story elicited responses from readers grappling with similar pain around food and family relationships, and that the possibility of helping even one person justified making her experience public.
Brad’s death represents another chapter of hardship for the actress, who has increasingly chosen to address painful topics openly. By announcing her brother’s passing, she sought to turn private sorrow into a public health message, hoping to prevent other families from experiencing the same unexpected heartbreak.