Legendary actor Jack Betts passes away at 96: A tribute to his iconic career |
Jack Betts, the veteran actor known for his roles in ‘Spider-Man’ and ‘Friends,’ has passed away at the age of 96 on Thursday, June 19. His nephew, Dean Sullivan, revealed that he died in his sleep at his home in Los Osos, California. Betts was renowned for his roles in spaghetti western films and appearances in popular movies and television shows. The late actor used to live with the actress Doris Roberts, the ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ star, before she died in April 2016. Not only were they close friends, but they also often attended events together from the late 1980s, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Who was Jack Betts?
Born on April 11, 1929, Jack Fillmore Betts spent his childhood in Jersey City, New Jersey, until his family moved to Miami when the late actor was 10. After moving, the ‘Sugar Colt’ actor was inspired to become an artist after he watched Laurence Olivier in Wuthering Heights (1939).Betts graduated from Miami Senior High School and continued his education at the University of Miami, where he studied theatre and acted in the Moss Hart play ‘Light Up the Sky’ in Cuba. Kicking off his career, he moved to New York and starred on Broadway in 1953 in ‘Richard III,’ starring José Ferrer. Making his debut on the big screen, Betts had his debut in ‘The Bloody Brood’ in 1959. The late actor also starred in the revival of Dracula on Broadway for three years from 1977.
Beverly Hills Playhouse shared a note…
After the news was made public, Beverly Hills Playhouse, the drama school, shared the heartfelt note about the actor on Instagram along with his picture. “Our beloved Jack Betts passed away peacefully at home. It is a sad day for the BHP as we have enjoyed his presence for so many years. There are actors who credit him with their not giving up because of his encouragement. We were so fortunate to have enjoyed his great spirit, passion and true dedication to the work. There was only ever one like this and we are the richer for having his presence in our theatre. Rest in peace, Jack,” the post’s caption read.
