Frankie Abernathy Participant in the MTV reality show “The Real World: San Diego” Date of Birth: 21.12.1981 Country: USA

1. Biography of Frankie Abernathy
2. Reality TV Star
3. Personal Struggles
4. Departure from Reality TV
5. Controversial Song
6. Life After Reality TV
7. Tragic Passing

Biography of Frankie Abernathy

Frankie Joe Abernathy was born on December 21, 1981, in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. She was the oldest daughter of Abby Hunter and Joe Abernathy, with a younger sister named Mami and stepfather Perry Hunter. Frankie attended Blue Springs High School in Missouri.

Reality TV Star

Frankie gained fame as a contestant on the reality TV show "The Real World: San Diego," which was filmed in late 2003 and aired from January to June 2004. In the show, MTV described Frankie as a girl who "loves to shock people with her appearance, date bad boys, party all night, and dreams of becoming an artist." She became known for her passion for punk rock music and her obsession with the Hello Kitty character from Japanese pop culture.

Personal Struggles

Frankie was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that affects the function of the sweat glands and damages the respiratory and immune systems, at the age of three. The symptoms of her condition, such as difficulty breathing and weakened immune system, were often visible during the reality TV show, becoming a significant part of its storyline.

Departure from Reality TV

Frankie left "The Real World: San Diego" before the show ended due to conflicts with her housemates and her troubled relationship with her then-boyfriend, musician and tattoo artist Dave Dulay.

Controversial Song

In Marilyn Manson's 1995 album "Smells Like Children," there was a song titled "F*ck Frankie." According to reports, the track was written about Frankie, who allegedly lost her virginity to Manson during one of his tour stops in 1994-1995. However, another story suggests that "F*ck Frankie" was directed at Marilyn Manson's former tour manager named Frankie Proia, who allegedly mismanaged $20,000 of the band's money. In a 2005 interview, Abernathy confirmed her relationship with Manson, stating, "I became who I am today because of that personal experience. Brian (Marilyn Manson's real name) changed my life forever."

Life After Reality TV

After her time on "The Real World: San Diego," Frankie worked in various retail stores in her hometown and pursued tattooing with Art Intensity Network. She appeared on the cover of the tattoo magazine "Prick" in May 2005. In the fall of 2006, Frankie and her family relocated to Shorewood, Wisconsin. She started designing women's handbags using old vinyl records as a unique material. However, her cystic fibrosis hindered her ability to work fully, especially during the cold winter months.

Tragic Passing

Frankie Abernathy passed away on June 9, 2007, in Shorewood, Wisconsin, due to complications from cystic fibrosis. She was only 25 years old. She was the second cast member of "The Real World" to pass away, following Pedro Zamora, who lost his battle with AIDS. In honor of Abernathy, a scholarship was established in her name at her alma mater, Blue Springs High School.