John Beasley dies ahead of Broadway debut as devastated son pays tribute

31 May 2023 , 08:21

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The actor was due to make his Broadway debut in The Notebook (Image: WireImage)

Rudy actor John Beasley has died his son has announced on social media after his health took a turn for the worse.

The actor who was known for playing bus driver Irv Harper in The WB drama, Everwood, was 79 when he died in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska.

John has been undergoing tests on his liver before his health took a turn for the worse and continued to decline.

His son Tyrone confirmed he had died while in hospital.

Meanwhile, his son Mike took to social media to pay tribute to his doting father who he described as his "hero".

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John Beasley has died aged 79 (Universal Pictures/Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock)

He penned on Facebook: "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."

His post was soon flooded with messages from fans of his late father, sharing their condolences with one writing: "So sorry for your loss. I met your father 20yrs ago when I worked at Target. Once he and your mom came in and were so down to Earth and loved talking to them. Just saw him a couple weeks ago when he came in to have a storm door installed. He even took a pic with me. Such a great man. RIP."

"So very sorry for your loss and the world's loss. He was a great man. Prayers for the family," commented a second.

While a third went on to add: "I am so sorry for your loss…He was a great human being and a good friend. May he rest in peace…"

Another commented: "So sorry for your loss. I met your dad years ago at a national night out party when I worked for the police department. He made all of us from the department have some of his infamous chocolate chip cookies that were so good! I never forgot how nice he was to all of us. Condolences to you and your family."

John was set to make his Broadway debut ahead of his 80th birthday following his appearance in a Chicago stage adaptation of the 2004 hit movie, The Notebook.

In the production, he took on the role of Duke, who was initially played by actor James Garner in the original movie.

Daniel Bird