Ron Lester, who came to fame with his performances in “Varsity Blues” and “Popular,” died Friday at the age of 45.
(Photo: Getty Images)
The actor had long dealt with issues of obesity and had previously been hospitalized for kidney and liver issues for several months, and Lester was transferred from a Dallas hospital to hospice care Friday.
The cause of his death was determined to be heart and liver failure.
His co-stars paid tribute to the him all across social media.
Leslie Bibb, who played Brooke McQueen on “Popular” opposite Lester’s Michael “Sugar Daddy” Bernardino from 1991 to 2001, reminisced that, “Ron Lester was the sweetest, huggiest, kindest boy in the world.”
“We will miss you ‘Sugar Daddy’!”
Carly Pope did the same.
“Heartache,” Pope wrote. “For all who knew his bold and bright light, we are ever lucky. Shine on in peace, Star.”
Christopher Gorham, who played Harrison John on the TV series, tweeted, “Rest in peace, old friend. I’m glad I knew you. Heartbroken for his fiancé, family and friends. #BigSugar #BigHeart.”
“Varsity Blues” director Brian Robbins said that Lester was “the sweetest guy in the world.”
Star James Van Der Beek described Lester as “giving” and “rare” and talked about how devoted Lester was on the set of “Varsity Blues.”