Beau Starr, the American actor celebrated for his roles in Goodfellas and the Halloween franchise, has passed away at the age of 81. He died peacefully of natural causes on Friday, April 24, in Vancouver, Canada, according to his younger brother Mike Starr, also an actor known for The Young and the Restless.
Career Highlights
Starr is best remembered for portraying Sheriff Ben Meeker in the 1988 horror film Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers, a role he reprised in Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers. He also appeared in Martin Scorsese's 1990 classic Goodfellas as Henry Hill's father.
His first film appearance was in 1982's Hanky Panky alongside Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner. He went on to guest-star in television series such as Three's Company, Rituals, Bizarre, and True Blue, and appeared in several made-for-TV movies and Canadian productions, including Due South, Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye, and Doc.
Tributes from Family and Co-Stars
Mike Starr shared that his brother was "very unique and special" and deeply loved by those who knew him. He noted that Beau, along with their other brothers, helped raise him and had a profound impact on his life.
Christopher Serrone, who played the young Henry Hill in Goodfellas, announced the news on social media, writing: "It is with a heavy heart I'm here to inform everyone of the very sad passing of Beau Starr. Beau enjoyed a rich and meaningful life. He was a son, brother, father, grandfather, actor and NFL/CFL player. Please take a moment to help me remember a great guy. RIP."
Fans have also paid tribute online, with many highlighting his performances in the Halloween series and Goodfellas. One fan wrote: "Very sad to hear about this. He was fantastic in Halloween 4 and 5. RIP." Another added: "A solid character actor known for playing tough guys. Loved him as Henry Hill's father in Goodfellas and as Sheriff Ben Meeker in Halloween 4 and 5. Rest in Peace, Sir!"
Beau Starr's legacy as a versatile character actor will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
