Life

Loved ones pay tribute to Sophie Anderson after ‘bubbly, funny and kind-hearted’ star dies aged 36

By Conor Clark

5th December 2023

Terrence Higgins Trust

Tributes have been pouring in for Sophie Anderson after news of her passing broke late last night.

The cultural icon was best known for being part of the Cock Destroyers alongside Rebecca Moore, which saw the two collaborate on everything from pornographic content to educational videos about sexual health.

“I’m devastated hearing the awful news of Sophie’s passing,” Rebecca wrote on social media on 4 December.

“We shared some amazing times together and that’s how I’m going to remember her.

“The bubbly, funny, kind-hearted soul who was outrageous on the outside but so gentle behind closed doors.

“We were very close, and we shared a crazy time together that was totally unique to us. That’s how I will remember her.

“This is so tragic but I know you are now at peace. I will always love you and hold a special place in my heart.”

 

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A post shared by REBECCA M JONES (@queen0ftheeast)

Whether it was the, “Fuck, it’s a Sunday!” clip or the endless reaction videos that circulate Twitter daily, Sophie was known by all for her candid nature and ability to never take herself too seriously.

She was a fearless advocate of LGBTQIA+ rights and was a true trailblazer in her approach to normalising discussions about sex work, sexual health and everything in-between.

“Her heart overflowed with love for others”

Christine Neubeiser, Director of Income Generation at leading sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust, remembered Sophie for her fundraising efforts and attempts to destigmatise HIV.

“All of us at Terrence Higgins Trust were so sad to hear about the death of Sophie Anderson,” she told GAY TIMES.

“She will be dearly missed and our thoughts are with her family and friends. Sophie, together with Rebecca More, has done so much to support people living with and affected by HIV, from taking on challenges like the Red Run to selling merchandise and donating the profits to Terrence Higgins Trust.

“Sophie and Rebecca have been such staunch allies by shouting about all the progress we’ve made around HIV to their many, many followers in order to make a real difference in tackling HIV stigma.”

Christina-Jae Angel, a longtime friend of Sophie’s, shared her devastation over the news with GAY TIMES.

“Sophie didn’t just love. She was love,” they explained. “And through everything – the good, the bad, the tragic, the beautiful – her heart overflowed with love for others.

“You weren’t just a friend to Soph, you were family. And though her life could be chaotic, dramatic and insanity, she laughed hard and smiled wide through it. Regardless of what she was going through, she would put you first and want to fix your problems, and for that moment in doing so, she shone brighter than she knew she could.

“As a BIPOC trans woman and sex worker that has been struggling to get the gender-affirming healthcare I need, she held my hand through it, saw me as nothing else other than her ‘beautiful girlie’ and cried tears of joy when my GP finally referred me to the GIC, promising to be by my side at the first appointment – ‘even if it is in seven years babes, I’ll be there!’ – she wanted nothing but for everybody to feel loved.

“I haven’t just lost a friend, but a sister, and through the darkness the entire queer and sex worker communities will be feeling right now, please let her spirit shine as bright as it always did.”

Christina-Jae Angel

Sophie had an undeniable impact on pop culture both in the UK and beyond, with her work inspiring an array of entertainers, performers and artists.

She starred in both Slag Wars: The Next Destroyer and Fucking Smart, as well as appearing on various podcasts and series discussing her life and experiences in the adult entertainment industry.

Cheryl Hole, who is known for competing on Drag Race UK and was a good friend of Sophie’s, told GAY TIMES she hopes “our queen finally gets the peace and rest that she deserves.”

“Sophie was the purest soul I have ever known,” she continued. “Never a bad word, always such joy and positivity in such a dark world. Sophie showed me nothing but love and support in everything I did, from random calls, videos and messages at 3am!” 

Drag Race UK star Divina De Campo, who won a challenge based on the Cock Destroyers, said they were “so incredibly sad” to learn of Sophie’s passing.

“Every time I ever met or worked with Sophie she was an absolute joy,” they explained to GAY TIMES. “Her boundless love and acceptance for all those around her was always evident. A woman with such an incredibly sweet soul and incredible presence and vulnerability. A joy.”

Hanna, a friend of Sophie’s who first came across her content online, said she will always remember her for the way she tried to “uplift” others.

“One day I liked a video she posted about mental health and she actually checked up on me, on a day that was particularly hard,” she told GAY TIMES. “It was one of my hardest times so the fact she was there for me was so heart warming and I could never forget it and we had chats that got longer over the years. My point is, she cared deeply about everyone and was such a gentle soul alongside her extroverted fun persona, she was a genuine sweetheart. She really was an advocate for mental health and positivity.”

See how others paid tribute to Sophie below.