Actor Beau Starr, who appeared in Goodfellas and the Halloween saga, has died

An actor from the movie Goodfellas has passed away. Beau Starr, known for portraying Henry Hill’s father in Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece, died at the age of 81, as announced by his brother, Mike Starr, to TMZ. Mike Starr specified that the actor, also seen in the horror saga Halloween, passed away “peacefully” from natural causes on April 24th in Vancouver, Canada. Mike Starr, who also appeared in the movie Goodfellas, honored the memory of his older brother, whom he considered a “unique and special person.” Speaking to TMZ, he shared that Beau Starr was loved by everyone who knew him and had a significant influence on his life.

From American Football Star to Movie Star

Originally from Queens, New York, Beau Starr initially found success not in acting but in American football. He was known in that world as Bill Starr. After spending several years in the Jets’ training team in his hometown and playing two seasons in the Canadian Football League, he transitioned to the entertainment industry.

Beau Starr made his television debut on Bizarre, a sketch comedy show featuring Bob Einstein and others like Howie Mandel. He made his big-screen debut in 1982 in Sidney Poitier’s film Best Friends.

The actor went on to appear in the romance film Stand Alone, the action-comedy Short Time, the biopic Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Calling, and the comedy Summer School with Mark Harmon.

His career took a turn in 1988 when he landed a role in the film Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers. Alongside Donald Pleasence, Danielle Harris, and Ellie Cornell, he portrayed Sheriff Ben Meeker. This role was reprised a year later in Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers.

Beau Starr’s Death: Tribute from a fellow Goodfellas Star

After appearing in two Halloween films, Beau Starr starred in one of the cult films of the 1990s: Goodfellas. In this masterpiece directed by Martin Scorsese, he played Henry Hill’s father. It was Christopher Serrone, who portrayed the young version of the character played by Ray Liotta, who initially announced his passing on Instagram.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce Beau Starr’s passing,” he wrote, mentioning that the late actor’s brother asked him to share the sad news. “Beau lived a rich and meaningful life. He was a son, brother, father, grandfather, actor, and NFL/CFL player. Please take a moment to remember this exceptional man. Rest in peace.”

Following Goodfellas, Beau Starr appeared in several other films including Speed, Harlem Nights, From the Shadows to the Light, and One Way Out. His last screen appearance was in 2007 in the action-comedy film Code Name: The Cleaner with Lucy Liu and Nicollette Sheridan.

Article written in collaboration with 6Médias