Character actor Beau Starr, celebrated for his roles in iconic films like Goodfellas and the Halloween franchise, has passed away at the age of 81.

From Football Player to Screen Legend

Starr’s career path was remarkably diverse, beginning with a stint as a football player known as Bill Starr. He spent three seasons with the New York Jets before transitioning to acting in his thirties.

Memorable Roles in Horror and Crime Classics

He is perhaps best remembered for his portrayal of Sheriff Ben Meeker in Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988) and Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989). Starr described the role as a “John Wayne type of guy.”

Beyond the horror genre, Starr delivered a memorable performance in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas (1990), playing the stern and often violent father of Henry Hill, portrayed by Ray Liotta. A striking scene depicts Starr’s character disciplining his son with a belt.

A Versatile Career Across Television and Film

Starr’s early career also included appearances in popular television series of the 1980s and 90s, such as TJ Hooker, Cagney & Lacey, Knight Rider, MacGyver, and Murder, She Wrote. He also held a main role in the Canadian TV crime comedy Due North.

Later Career and Legacy

His journey into acting began with the Canadian sketch comedy show Bizarre in 1980, followed by a role in Hanky Panky in 1982. Throughout the 1990s, he continued to work steadily, appearing alongside actors like Denzel Washington in Devil in a Blue Dress and George Segal in Joshua Tree.

His final credited role was in a 2013 episode of Psych. Starr’s brother, Mike Starr, also an actor, shared that Beau passed away peacefully at home in Vancouver on April 24th, describing him as “very unique and special.”

Friends and colleagues have fondly remembered Starr as a “great guy” who lived a “rich” and “meaningful life,” a testament to his talent and the impact he had on those around him.