Remembering John Beasley: The Soul Man Actor Passes Away at 79
John Beasley, an esteemed actor known for his roles in “The Soul Man” and “Everwood,” has tragically passed away at the age of 79. The announcement made on Tuesday confirmed that Beasley had suffered from liver complications, leading to his admission to a hospital in his birthplace, Omaha, Nebraska. The unforeseen and rapid decline in his health has left his family and fans mourning his loss.
A Son’s Heartfelt Tribute to His Father
Following his father’s demise, Mike Beasley took to Facebook to share a poignant message and a touching photograph of his father. In his emotional tribute, Mike wrote, “Though we all know death is a part of life, it doesn’t make it any less painful. Today, I lost my best friend. People often advise against meeting your heroes, as they might not live up to your expectations. But that was not the case with my father. He was my hero, and I appreciate everything he did. I love you more.”
The Journey of a Train Clerk to a Renowned Actor
John’s journey into the world of acting began at an early age, as he started involving himself in theatre, igniting his passion for performance. However, his first job was far from the world of acting; he worked as a train clerk for the Union Pacific railroad for seven years. Despite this, he always nurtured the dream that his acting aspirations would eventually be fulfilled.
Beasley once shared, “Even when I was in college, I knew I would achieve my dreams,” adding that he did not believe a college degree was a prerequisite for success.
Beasley’s Acting Career: From “Rapid Fire” to “The Soul Man”
John’s official journey in acting commenced with his debut performance in 1989’s “Rapid Fire.” However, his career trajectory took a significant leap when he scored a recurring role in the Oprah Winfrey-hosted sitcom “Brewster Place.”
Over the years, Beasley’s acting prowess was evident in several popular movies like “The Mighty Ducks” (1992), “Crazy in Alabama” (1997), and “The General’s Daughter” (1999).
Among his notable roles, he is fondly remembered for portraying Irv Harper, the spouse of Debra Mooney’s character Edna Harper, in the highly-praised TV series “Everwood” (2002-2006).
After his stint in “Everwood,” Beasley worked alongside Cedric the Entertainer in the 2012 series “The Soul Man,” where he played the role of Barton Ballentine, Cedric’s character’s father.
A Lifelong Passion for Theatre
Despite his age and health, Beasley remained actively involved in theatre until his last days. In October, he participated in the musical rendition of “The Notebook,” produced by the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
Beasley’s love for his profession never waned. In a previous conversation with American Theatre, he expressed, “To be a professional artist is the highest calling, and I appreciate wherever it takes me. Even if I never made it to Broadway, I would still consider my career quite successful.”
As we bid farewell to this prolific actor, his impact on the world of theatre and television continues to be celebrated. His legacy will undoubtedly be cherished by the acting community and his admirers worldwide.