Jack Betts AKA Henry Balkan Of Spider-Man Dies At 96 In LA
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Veteran actor Jack Betts, known for spaghetti Westerns and Spider-Man, passed away at 96 in Los Osos, California.
Hollywood veteran Jack Betts, remembered for his iconic roles in spaghetti Westerns and as Henry Balkan in Spider-Man (2002), has died at the age of 96. According to People, his nephew Dean Sullivan confirmed that the actor passed away in his sleep on June 19 at his home in Los Osos, California.
Following news of his passing, the Beverly Hills Playhouse honoured him in an emotional tribute on Instagram: 'Our beloved Jack Betts passed away peacefully at home." The heartfelt post added, 'There was only ever one like this, and we are the richer for having his presence in our theatre. Rest in peace, Jack."
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Fans of Everybody Loves Raymond also expressed their grief online, and several admirers praised Betts' depth and versatilitym particularly in his Western roles.
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Betts, who began his journey in the world of acting after being inspired by Laurence Olivier's Wuthering Heights performance in 1939, had a career that spanned stage, film, and television. He was just 10 when his family relocated from New Jersey to Miami, where his love for theatre took root. He later pursued acting at the University of Miami before making his Broadway debut in Richard III.
The 1960s saw Betts transition into international fame, particularly in Italy, where he featured in several spaghetti Westerns. Among them was Sugar Coat (1966), directed by Franco Giraldi. His theatre streak continued with a memorable three-year stint as the lead in Broadway's Dracula from 1977 onward.
While many remember him from television hits like Frasier, Friends, Seinfeld, and Everybody Loves Raymond, Betts gained a new generation of fans through his brief but notable appearance alongside Willem Dafoe in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man, where he played Henry Balkan, a board member of Oscorp.
Later in his career, Betts appeared in shows like My Name Is Earl, Recovery Road, and Good Trouble in 2019. But off-screen, his friendships were just as memorable — especially with Everybody Loves Raymond star Doris Roberts. The two shared a home until Roberts' passing in 2016. She also directed Screen Test: Take One, a play written by Betts that was inspired by the world of soap operas.
Betts is survived by his sister Joan, who is set to celebrate her 100th birthday in November, as well as his nephew Dean and nieces Lynee and Gail.
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