Beau Starr, known for his roles in Goodfellas and the Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers series, has passed away at the age of 81. His death was confirmed by his brother, Mike Starr, who shared that he died peacefully of natural causes on April 24, 2026, at his home in Vancouver. His passing marks the loss of a familiar presence in film and television whose career spanned several decades.
Born in Queens on September 1, 1944, Starr initially pursued a path outside of acting. He played professional football in the Canadian Football League with teams such as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Montreal Alouettes, and also spent time with the New York Jets. His transition into acting came later, as he began building a career in his mid-30s, making his screen debut in a Canadian sketch show in 1980.
Starr went on to establish himself with a wide range of roles across film and television. In Goodfellas, he appeared alongside Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci, portraying the father of the main character. He also gained recognition for his role as Sheriff Ben Meeker in the Halloween film series. His television work included appearances in popular shows such as Knight Rider, The A-Team, MacGyver, and Moonlighting, demonstrating his versatility as a performer.
Throughout his career, Starr was appreciated not only for his on-screen presence but also for his professionalism and dedication. His final credited role came in 2013 on Psych. He is remembered as someone who built a meaningful career across different fields, from sports to entertainment. His contributions to film and television remain part of his lasting legacy, reflecting a life shaped by talent, adaptability, and commitment.