A beloved actor from the 2002 Spider-Man film has tragically passed away, leaving fans of the iconic superhero movie heartbroken. The Sam Raimi-directed blockbuster follows a shy teenager who, after being bitten by a genetically-modified spider, gains extraordinary abilities to battle injustice.
The sudden loss of one of its stars has sparked an outpouring of grief. A fan mourned, “May his soul rest in peace and paradise.” Another reflected, “What a proud age to pass. A life well lived.”
The actor, Jack Betts, who brought Henry Balkan to life in Spider-Man, passed away on June 19 at the age of 96. Born in Miami, New Jersey, in 1929, Betts studied at the state’s university before launching a remarkable career.
His journey began on Broadway with Shakespeare’s *Richard III*, as noted by *Far Out*, following his theater degree. Betts also made a memorable cameo in *Friends* as Tom in “The One with Joey’s New Brain” and appeared in *Batman Forever* and *Batman & Robin*.
A close friend of *Everybody Loves Raymond* star Doris Roberts, Betts shared a home with her and described their bond as “best friends to the very end” after her 2016 passing. Despite rumors, an *Everybody Loves Raymond* fan account clarified on Instagram that they were not romantically involved. Beyond Spider-Man, which grossed $821.7 million worldwide, Betts starred in 1960s and 1970s spaghetti westerns, including *Sugar Coat* in 1966.
Betts’ nephew, Dean Sullivan, shared the news of his passing on June 19. The Beverly Hills Playhouse, where Betts was a cherished figure, released a heartfelt statement: “Our beloved Jack Betts passed away peacefully at home.
It is a sad day for the BHP as we have enjoyed his presence for so many years. There are actors who credit him with not giving up because of his encouragement. We were so fortunate to have enjoyed his great spirit, passion, and true dedication to the work.” They emphasized that his unique presence enriched the theater community.
Betts’ legacy lives on through his diverse roles and the inspiration he provided to countless actors and fans.