Earlier today, we received the sad news that Varsity Blues star Ron Lester had died in a Dallas hospital.
He was just 45 years old.
Lester was best known for his turn as the loveable offensive linesman “Billy Bob” in the 90s football film, also starring James Van Der Beek.
Van Der Beek took to Twitter today to honor his late friend.
“Sad day… #RonLester was a sensitive soul with a huge heart,” he wrote. “Everything you loved about Billy Bob was authentically Ron. #RIP bud.”
“I’ll never forget how committed #RonLester was on every take – even when the camera wasn’t on him… #giving #rare,” he added in a second tweet.
Below is a photo of Lester and Van Der Beek along with Varsity Blues cast mates Scott Caan, Jon Voight, Eliel Swinton and the late Paul Walker.
Lester had been in declining health of late, experiencing problems with his liver, kidneys and heart.
He had been in the hospital for four months before his passing.
Lester’s agent, Dave Bradley, announced that the actor had been taken off life support Friday and died peacefully.
Known in part for his size, Lester had at one point topped more than 500 pounds, but lost 350 after undergoing gastric bypass surgery in 2001.
Lester also had memorable roles in Not Yet Another Teen Movie, Freaks and Geeks and Popular.
He will be missed.
