'He was a sensitive soul with a huge heart': James Van Der Beek remembers friend and Varsity Blues co-star Ron Lester who passed away at age 45
He played overweight lineman Billy Bob in the cult classic Varsity Blues.
But on Saturday James Van Der Beek, 39, took a moment to remember the actor behind the character, Ron Lester, in two heartfelt tweets.
James played a football player alongside Ron in the beloved film.
Touching: On Saturday James Van Der Beek, 39, took a moment to remember his friend Ron Lester in two heartfelt tweets
'Sad day... #RonLester was a sensitive soul with a huge heart. Everything you loved about Billy Bob was authentically Ron. #RIP bud.'
He didn't stop there however, and actually went into some behind the scenes details about his friend.
'I'll never forget how committed #RonLester was on every take - even when the camera wasn't on him... #giving #rare.'
Iconic: Ron Lester played overweight lineman Billy Bob in the cult classic Varsity Blues (second from left)
Authentic: James actually went into some behind the scenes details about his friend
James' tweets were posted after he made an appearance on Friday at the Big Slick celebratory softball match in Kansas City.
Ron passed away at around 9 pm central time in Dallas, Texas on Friday with his fiancee by his side, after he 'requested to be taken off life support,' according to TMZ.
He had been in the hospital for four months, battling both kidney and liver problems.
Not healthy: He had been in the hospital for four months, battling both kidney and liver problems (pictured here in a selfie from November)
Proving what a good sport he was, the actor also spoofed his Billy Bob character as Reggie Ray ('The Stupid Fat Guy') in the surprisingly hilarious 2001 flick Not Another Teen Movie.
Ron continued to battle his weight after finding success in Hollywood; at one point he was reported to have tipped the scale at 508 pounds.
In 2001, he underwent gastric bypass surgery and as a result, he dropped almost 350 pounds.
Amazing: In 2001, he underwent gastric bypass surgery and as a result, he dropped almost 350 pounds (pictured right in 2014 after surgery)
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