James Van Der Beek Pays Tribute To Ron Lester, His ‘Varsity Blues’ Co-Star

Ron Lester, best known for his role as Billy Bob in 1999’s Varsity Blues, died Friday due to liver and kidney failure.

The day after the news broke, Lester’s Blues co-star James Van Der Beek paid tribute to him on Twitter, praising Lester’s character and acting talents.

Lester had been hospitalized four months ago and was only recently moved to the intensive care unit. Doctors removed his ventilator on Friday.

“He was not in pain and passed away peacefully,” Lester’s agent, Dave Bradley, wrote on Facebook.

Other social media users shared condolences, including Freaks & Geeks creator Paul Feig and Lester’s co-star on the WB show Popular Christoper Gorham.