Actor Beau Starr has died aged 81, his brother has confirmed. According to reports, the Halloween and Goodfellas star died of natural causes on Friday, April 24.
Beau's younger brother, Mike Starr, who is also an actor, confirmed the death to TMZ. He told the publication that his brother was loved by many who knew him, calling him "very unique and special." The grieving family member added that Beau was "a tremendous influence on his life" and helped raise him alongside his parents and other siblings. Beau was best known for starring as Henry Hill's father in Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas. Christopher Serrone, who played young Henry Hill in the movie, shared a loving tribute to his co-star shortly after his passing.
In a post on Instagram, Christopher wrote: "It is with a heavy heart I'm here to inform everyone of the very sad passing of Beau Starr. @mikestarractor asked me to make the announcement.
"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' tributes then flooded in. One commented: "He was a great actor, your scene with him in Goodfellas is still a scene I will never forget, he was also good in Halloween 4-5, May he rest in peace."
Another added: "Deepest sympathy to @mikestarractor from the UK. Much respected. One of those Actors who you just enjoy when they are on screen."
As a third said: "He was a great actor & good man in person. Very sad to read this news. I am sorry for his family loss."
Beau was a sports star before landing jobs in showbiz. He spent several years on the New York Jets practice squad in the late 1960s and two seasons in the Canadian Football League before getting a job in the entertainment industry.
His acting career began on Bizarre, a half-hour sketch comedy show which starred Bob Einstein.
He grabbed his first film appearance in the 1982 movie Hanky Panky starring Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner before going on to star in the Halloween franchise as Sheriff Ben Meeker.
Beau also had a long-running role on Canadian crime comedy-drama, Due South. He appeared in 66 episodes from 1994 to 1999.
