Photo:Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic
Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic
John Beasley, best known for his roles onEverwoodandThe Soul Man, has died. He was 79.
“Man…you know this is a part of life…but that doesn’t make it any easier,” he wrote. “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.”
The actorsaid in an interview withAmerican Theatrethat his passion for acting began after participating in theater at a young age. While he entered the workforce as a railroad clerk for seven years at the Union Pacific railroad (per IMBd), he told the outlet that he remained consistent with the idea that “things would come.”
The WB/Everett
“I knew those things would come, even when I was in college,” he said. “I dropped out early because I didn’t feel I really needed a college degree to pursue what I wanted to do in life. Bottom line, I worked.”
WhileBeasley’s first acting creditdates back to 1989’sRapid Fire, his star began to rise after landing a recurring role in theOprah Winfrey-led seriesBrewster Place.
Shortly before his death, he returned to the stage with a role in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’smusical adaptation ofThe Notebookin October.
“To be a working artist is the highest calling, and I appreciate wherever it takes me,” hetoldAmerican Theatre. “If I never got to Broadway, I would still feel I’ve had a pretty successful career.”
source: people.com
