Veteran actor John Beasley passed away on May 30, 2023, aged 70. He died after his health “took an unexpected turn for the worse.”

The Everwood star passed away in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska where he had been hospitalized and was undergoing testing on his liver.

The late actor’s son Mike W. Beasley shared the news of his father’s passing 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,” he wrote.

He continued with his statement, “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.”

Mike also updated viewers on his father’s public visitation and funeral service along with a few kind words.

“Many of you have reached out with so many kind words and condolences, the outpouring of love has been incredible and we are all so grateful. I just wanted to take a moment to post the visitation and funeral information for those who have inquired,” he wrote.

Beasley began his acting career in the late 1980s but his career finally took off after he landed a role in the TV series Brewster Place, a drama TV series that also starred Oprah Winfrey, Rachael Crawford, and Jason Weaver.

He went on to star in Rudy, The Mighty Ducks, The General’s Daughter, The Soul Man, etc.

One of the biggest roles he had was in the TV series Everwood as Irv Harper alongside Chris Pratt. He portrayed the role from 2002 to 2006.

The late actor’s final role was in the stage production of Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s musical adaptation of The Notebook in October 2023.

He told American Theatre at the time, “To be a working artist is the highest calling, and I appreciate wherever it takes me. If I never got to Broadway, I would still feel I’ve had a pretty successful career.”

In his hometown of Omaha, he ran John Beasley Theater and Workshop for 13 years. Beasley is survived by his wife of 58 years Judy, sons Mike and Tyrone, and grandchildren  Evan, Miles, Olivia, Mika, Darius, and Malik Beasley. Malik is an NBA player.