Estranged Husband of 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Star Found Dead

The estranged husband of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Taylor Armstrong was found dead of an apparent suicide, according to TMZ.

Russell Armstrong, a 47-year-old businessman, reportedly hung himself in a Mulholland Drive home on Monday evening.

"I can confirm that Mr. Armstrong was found dead from an apparent hanging in a residence on Mulholland Drive," a Los Angeles Police Department spokesman told People magazine.

Taylor Armstrong was an active campaigner against domestic violence, and her efforts as an advocate for victims of abuse were a major part of her storyline on the debut season of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."

While the allegations of physical abuse took some of the show's viewers by surprise, the couple's separation wasn't entirely unexpected. Toward the end of the season, Taylor Armstrong became outspoken about her marital dissatisfactions, and questioned whether she should remain with her husband.

In one episode, Taylor Armstrong threw a lavish birthday party for the couple's four-year old daughter -- seemingly with little support from her husband -- and was surprised when he presented their daughter with the gift of a new puppy. The couple had previously agreed not to give their daugher a pet for her birthday.

The couple had experienced tension on-camera previously, when Russell Armstrong wasn't enjoying himself at a particular party or event and Taylor was trying to have a good time. In these cases, Russell was portrayed as controlling and somewhat ill-humored.

While the Armstrongs appeared to be quite wealthy on the show, later reports surfaced the Russell Armstrong was having financial difficulties.