Real World star and AIDS activist Sean Sasser, died at the age of 44, after battling a rare type of lung cancer, according to USA Today.

Sasser, who shot to prominence in 1994 as the boyfriend of "Real World: San Francisco" housemate Pedro Zamora, died of mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the lungs. Mesothelioma has been linked to a weakened immune system in some people with AIDS. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) confirmed news of Sasser's death on its website.

Queerty, broke the news of Sasser's death, calling him the role model of people of his generation

"No other information was released immediately about his medical condition, but Long before 'Ellen' or 'Will & Grace' showcased gay people on TV living mainstream lives, and before the magic of protease inhibitor 'cocktails' turned HIV into a manageable disease, Sasser gave a brave face to both issues and brought those taboo topics to educate millions of young Americans," Queerty said.

According to the Washington Blade, Sasser is well-known for holding a public "commitment ceremony" with his same-sex partner, and "Real World" co-star, Zamora - the first ever held on national television. The ceremony was long before same-sex marriage became legalized in various states in the U.S. Zamora, died of AIDS in 1994 at 22.

In recent years, Sasser had been focusing on his work as a D.C.-based pastry chef and sharing his life with partner Michael Kaplan, according to the Washington Blade

Judd Winnick, Sasser's friend and "Real World" costar, announed the news on Twitter Tuesday, "Our love goes out to his family and husband Michael."

Sean Sasser and Pedro Zamora. Marin 1994. we love you boys. pic.twitter.com/hM0G64Xky8

— Judd Winick. (@JuddWinick) August 8, 2013