Veteran actor John Beasley has passed away at age 79.
Beasley’s son, Michael, announced the heartbreaking news on social media. He wrote, “Man…you know this is a part of life… but that doesn’t make it any easier. I lost my best friend today. They say you shouldn’t ever meet your heroes because they don’t turn out to be who you thought they were. That is so wrong. My hero was my father. Thank you for everything. I hope I made you proud. Love you more.”
John Beasley is known for his most recent roles on the shows Everwood and The Soul Man as well as other memorable roles. He landed his first acting role in Rapid Fire in 1989 and has acting credits in TV such as Judging Amy, CSI, Boston Legal, and more.
He was also featured in films such as Walking Tall, Untamed Heart, Rudy, The Mighty Ducks, Crazy in Alabama, and more. Beasley was set to make his Broadway debut in the play The Notebook later this year.
“That Broadway comes at this age- I guess that’s par for my course. I think it’s the ultimate validation of my acting career. Broadway’s always been that vision. I’m told it’s life-changing,” Beasley said on landing the role.
He added, “To be a working artist is the highest calling, and I appreciate wherever it takes me. If I never got to Broadway, I would still feel I’ve had a pretty successful career.”
John Beasley is survived by his wife, Judy, his sons, Michael and Tyrone, and six grandchildren.