Renowned character actor John Beasley passed away on Tuesday, at the age of 79. The news was shared by his son, Tyrone Beasley, stating that the actor died in a hospital in their hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. His health took a sudden downward turn while undergoing liver tests.
Beasley’s acting career spanned several decades, marked by memorable roles both on the big screen and on television. He portrayed Irv Harper, the school bus driver in the WB drama “Everwood” (2002-2006), and Barton Bellentine, the father of Cedric the Entertainer’s character, in TV Land’s comedy “The Soul Man” (2012-2016). His appearances in the film industry included roles in “Rudy” (1993), “The Apostle” (1997), “V.I. Warshawski” (1991), “The Mighty Ducks” (1992), “Untamed Heart” (1993), “Losing Isaiah” (1993), “Little Big League” (1994), “Crazy in Alabama” (1999), “The General’s Daughter” (1999), “The Sum of All Fears” (2002), the 2004 remake of “Walking Tall,” and “Firestarter” (2022).
More recently, Beasley was seen onstage in Chicago, partaking in the musical adaptation of “The Notebook,” set to go to Broadway. Beasley had plans to workshop the musical in New York as the production team was deciding on a theater.
Beasley’s contributions were not confined to acting alone. He established the John Beasley Theater and Workshop in Omaha and managed it for 13 years, asserting that they managed to change many lives through the theater.
Beasley, born on June 26, 1943, led an unconventional path to acting. He initially worked as a railroad man with the Union Pacific Railroad and embarked on his acting journey at the age of 45. One of his initial roles was Mr. Willie in the 1990 Oprah Winfrey-starring ABC series “Brewster Place.”
His career also saw him making guest appearances on several television series, such as “Missing Persons,” “Early Edition,” “CSI,” “Judging Amy,” “Boston Legal,” “Treme,” and “The Mandalorian.”
On social media, Beasley’s son Michael paid an emotional tribute to his father, calling him his “best friend” and “hero.” Beasley is survived by his wife Judy of 58 years, daughters-in-law Katie and Deena, and grandchildren Evan, Miles, Olivia, Mika, Darius, and Malik Beasley, the latter being an NBA veteran who last played with the Los Angeles Lakers.
