Ron Lester, pictured middle left, was in the cast of 1999 film Varsity Blues, starring James Van Der Beek (front right) and Jon Voight (rear). Photo: E.J. Camp
US actor Ron Lester, who was best known for playing the loud, oversized lineman Billy Bob in the 1999 film Varsity Blues, has died of organ failure. He was 45.
His agent, Dave Bradley, confirmed on Saturday that Lester had been hospitalised since February due to liver and kidney complications. He says Lester was removed from a ventilator and died on Friday.
Actor Ron Lester in 2001. Photo: Vince Bucci/Newsmakers/Getty Images
The actor last year announced that he was being treated for liver and kidney ailments.
Varsity Blues co-star James Van Der Beek paid tribute to the larger-than-life actor.
I'll never forget how committed #RonLester was on every take - even when the camera wasn't on him... #giving #rare https://t.co/YwZte8LpQW
— James Van Der Beek (@vanderjames) June 18, 2016
Sad day... #RonLester was a sensitive soul with a huge heart. Everything you loved about Billy Bob was authentically Ron. #RIP bud.
— James Van Der Beek (@vanderjames) June 18, 2016
Lester, a Georgia native, told the online sports publication Grantland in 2014 that he once weighed more than 227kg and was undergoing gastric bypass surgery and shedding some 136kg but his acting opportunities dried up after he lost the weight.
His other film credits include roles in Not Another Teen Movie and Good Burger.
It is the second death of a cast member from Varsity Blues after Paul Walker died suddenly in a car crash in 2013.
AP, with staff reporter
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