John Beasley, the Everwood actor, passed away on May 30 at the age of 79. His resume featured roles in roughly 30 movies and more than 20 television programs, including the well-liked TV drama.
Tyrone, the actor’s son, told The Hollywood Reporter that John’s condition suddenly got worse when he was undergoing liver testing.
In his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, a hospital is where John passed away. Shortly after their father’s passing, Tyrone’s brother Mike shared a heartbreaking remembrance of him.
“Man…you know this is a part of life…but that doesn’t make it any easier,” he wrote in a Facebook post. “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.”
Mike added, “My hero was my father. Thank you for everything. I hope I made you proud. Love you more.”
The Nebraska native’s impressive acting resume includes roles in the movies The Mighty Ducks, Crazy in Alabama, The General’s Daughter, and Firestarter, as well as numerous notable TV roles in programs like CSI, Judging Amy, NCIS, and The Soul Man. John most recently performed in the Broadway-bound musical adaption of The Notebook. He is survived by his sons, his wife of 58 years, Judy, and six grandchildren, including NBA sensation Malik Beasley.
The actor spoke candidly about his most recent professional chapter before the play started playing in Chicago late last year, stating that his portrayal as the older Noah “could possibly be the role of my lifetime.”
“To be a working artist is the highest calling, and I appreciate wherever it takes me,” he told American Theatre in 2022. “If I never got to Broadway, I would still feel I’ve had a pretty successful career.”
As John—who founded his own theater in Omaha in 2002—noted, “I’ve paid my dues, and I know that. The foundation was already set.”
