Vincent Irizarry Shares a Beautiful Tribute to His Late Cousin, Lauren

Daytime star Vincent Irizarry (ex-Deimos, Days of Our Lives; ex-David, The Young & The Restless; David, All My Children; Nick, Guiding Light) reached out to his fans on social media to share a lovely tribute to his late cousin, Lauren, who took her life during the height of the COVID pandemic in July 2000.

“The lasting impact she had as an active member of her Bushwick community was so deeply felt in her absence by those who loved her and celebrated life with her that an internationally recognized artist and muralist, Nicole Salgar, endeavored to memorialize her artistically on several stunning murals,” Irizarry wrote. “One on the streets of Bushwick, another at Old Stanley’s Bar, where she was the manager/bartender for eight years, and lastly, in NOLA, the enchanted city she loved dearly, beside the New Orleans Healing Center, a treatment center for those who suffer with mental illness and other needs within their community.”

In his Instagram post, Irizarry shared some photos of himself and his daughter, Siena, visiting the murals in Brooklyn and New Orleans as well as some of Lauren herself. But the real reason for his speaking out at this time was to share the album This Girl, from his uncle John Irizarry.

“My Uncle Johnny did what artists are compelled with a yearning to do by using their gifts to process the insurmountable grief and create something enduring and lovingly beautiful in memory of his forever beloved daughter,” the actor said. “He has recorded an album called This Girl, entirely inspired by the precious moments they were blessed to share throughout her terribly short life together. The album is an absolutely beautiful tribute to Lauren, also affectionately known to many of her loving friends as Izzy.”

John Irizarry appreciated his nephew’s support and expressed his gratitude in the comments. “My hope for my album This Girl is that it helps those who need to cry, and helps those who are in their healing process,” he added. “Perhaps someone will hear the stories in the song and feel greater empathy for another person. Through connection we all get through. Nothing can bring my daughter back. But maybe I can convince someone to make a call and not a mistake.”

This Girl is available on music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music or purchased directly from John Irizarry’s Bandcamp webpage as a digital album, CD, or vinyl.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or know someone who is, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255). You can also reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting 741741.