'Varsity Blues' actor dead at 45

Actor Ron Lester, who starred in the 1999 football movie "Varsity Blues" and struggled with obesity throughout his life, has passed away. He was 45.

Lester had been hospitalised for about four months and had been battling liver and kidney problems. He died in Dallas on Friday, reports variety.com.

His agent Dave Bradley posted on Facebook that he was not in pain and that his fiancee was with him.

Lester played Billy Bob in "Varsity Blues," which also starred Paul Walker and James Van Der Beek, and also appeared in "Not Another Teen Movie" and "Good Burger".

On TV, he had a recurring role on the series "Popular" and played Seidleman on "Freaks and Geeks". He also guest starred on "CSI: NY" and "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch".

Topping the scales at 508 pounds, Lester nearly died after having gastric bypass surgery but recovered and lost more than 300 pounds. However, he was not in demand to play the "fat guy" roles after his extreme weight loss.

Raised in Kennesaw, Georgia, his first role was on a commercial for Formula 409. He moved to Los Angeles and worked on a stand-up comedy routine before getting a role in "Good Burger".

--IANS

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