Former House Hunters host Suzanne Whang dies at 56

TMZ

Whang, who hosted the HGTV show for nine years from 1999 to 2007, died Tuesday after a battle with breast cancer. Whang was also an actress with credits on NYPD Blue, Criminal Minds and Las Vegas. “For thirteen years she confronted cancer with courage, humor, determination and optimism,” Whang's longtime partner, Jeff Vezain, wrote on her Facebook page. “I know she would prefer that her life be celebrated, as opposed to her passing mourned, but I also know how vehemently she disagreed with anyone being told, 'Don’t cry.' So…cry if you will.” UPDATE: HGTV pays tribute to Whang: “Suzanne was warm, funny and kind with a distinctive voice that made everyone feel at home. Our HGTV family mourns her loss and wishes to express deepest condolences to her friends, fans and family who knew and loved her.”