Beloved ‘Everwood’ Actor John Beasley Passes Away at 79, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Talent and Love

The entertainment industry mourns the loss of esteemed actor John Beasley, best known for his role as Irv Harper in the WB drama series Everwood. The 79-year-old actor unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday (May 30, 2023) after his health took a sudden turn, as first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

John Beasley had been undergoing liver-related testing in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, where he was hospitalized. The news of his passing was first announced by his son Mike, who paid tribute to his father on Facebook, saying, “Man… you know this is a part of life… but that doesn’t make it any easier. 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.”

Expressing gratitude and a desire to make his father proud, Mike concluded his heartfelt statement by thanking his dad, known for his role in Soul Man, “for everything.”

John Beasley’s Remarkable Acting Career and Impact

John Beasley’s acting career spanned nearly three decades, with a breakthrough role in Brewster Place, alongside Oprah Winfrey. He left a mark in various films such as Rudy, The Mighty Ducks, and The General’s Daughter.

However, it was his portrayal of Irv Harper in the TV series Everwood, which ran from 2002-2006, that most fans will remember him from. The series, which also starred Chris Pratt and Emily VanCamp, was one of the WB (and then CW’s), most celebrated series.

Following the series finale of Everwood, John Beasley joined forces with Cedric the Entertainer in the 2012 show The Soul Man. In October, he showcased his talent on stage in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s musical adaptation of The Notebook. Additionally, he was scheduled to workshop the musical in New York for a potential Broadway production.

Beyond his acting achievements, John Beasley established the John Beasley Theater and Workshop in Omaha, which operated for 13 years.

His legacy lives on through his wife of 58 years, Judy, his sons Mike and Tyrone, daughter-in-law Katie, and grandchildren Evan, Miles, Olivia, Mika, Darius, and NBA player Malik Beasley. The entertainment world remembers him for his remarkable talent and love that touched the hearts of many.