Prolific television actor and familiar face in the horror genre John Beasley has passed away aged 79, it is our sad duty to report.
Beasley began his on-screen career in 1990 at the age of 45 with a recurring role in the series Brewster Place and this was quickly followed by roles on the big screen. Beasley would go on to appear in 1992’s The Mighty Ducks, 1993’s sports-drama Rudy and have a supporting role in Robert Altman’s critically acclaimed The Apostle opposite Farrah Fawcett and Robert Duvall. Further supporting roles in high-profile projects followed, including 2002’s The Sum of all Fears.
However, it is for his regular television roles Beasley will most likely be remembered. The actor played the role of Irv Harper on the drama series Everwood for its entire four-year run, opposite the likes of stars such as Debra Mooney, Marcia Cross, and Anne Heche. In more recent years, John took on the role of Barton Ballentine for the Hot in Cleveland spin-off Soul Man, a role he portrayed in all five seasons.
To genre fans, Beasley is recognisable from his slew of supporting roles in high-profile horror productions including 2000’s Lost Souls and Sam Raimi’s chilling The Gift opposite Cate Blanchette. Undoubtedly, it is for his role as Papa Rico Sanchez in The Purge: Anarchy that genre fans will be most familiar with John. The actor also had prominent roles in 2015’s Sinister 2 and the 2020 Paramount Players horror movie The Spell starring Loretta Devine. Poignantly, it appears Beasley’s last project was also genre based, with his role as Irv Manders in the 2022 Firestarter remake being his final credit.
At the time of his May 30th passing, John is survived by his wife of 58 years Judy, their two children and multiple grandchildren, including LA Lakers player Malik Beasley.
Rest in peace, John.
