LOS ANGELES — Veteran British performer Rebecca Jane Smyth has passed away, according to her longtime friend, Tanya Virago. She was 51.

Hailing from England, Smyth started her career in the early ’90s as a Page 3 girl before moving further into mainstream adult work. She took a break for 8 to 10 years to start a family before returning to the industry, having ultimately missed it too much.

“I love my job,” she told SNAP last year. “It’s very hard work, but in a good way. I wouldn’t want to do anything else. I’ve tried other things and it’s just not for me.”

On May 23, Smyth announced she’d be taking a break from posting new content on social media, leaving fans to wonder why, though Virago revealed this week that Smyth had actually been battling an illness for the past year.

“Despite all efforts, medicine was unable to save her life, and the disease took its toll on her and her family. Rebecca, you will always be a queen in heaven,” wrote Virago, who called her friend’s passing “a heartbreaking loss.”

Rebecca Ryder was among the performers who paid tribute to Smyth on social media.

“I really am absolutely devastated to have heard yesterday of the passing of [Rebecca Smyth], a truly wonderful lady whom I worked with regularly for many years and who became a good friend,” said Ryder, who noted that Smyth was “a beautiful soul taken far too soon.”

Smyth’s longtime friend Mandy Foxxx offered her condolences and memories as well.

She called Smyth the industry’s “kindest, [most] loving soul” and a “close friend” who held Foxxx’s hand at her very first sex party. “I love you and miss you and thank you,” she wrote on X.com.

Smyth’s fellow performer Tori Cummings also offered some kind words.

She described Smyth as a “fallen angel” and said she would cherish “how wonderful, kind, and cheerful she was. R.I.P. beautiful lady. We are going to miss you.”

Smyth is survived by her husband and at least one child.

Click here to donate to Smyth’s family during this difficult time.