Beau Starr

Beau Starr
Born(1944-09-01)September 1, 1944
New York City, U.S.
DiedApril 24, 2026(2026-04-24) (aged 81)
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
OccupationActor
Years active1979–2007, 2013
RelativesMike Starr

Beau William Starr (September 1, 1944 – April 24, 2026) was an American actor who starred in film and television. He is known for his film role as Sheriff Ben Meeker in the 1988 horror film Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers; he reprised his role in the 1989 sequel Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers.

Early life

Beau William Starr was born in Queens, New York City, on September 1, 1944. His younger brother is actor Mike Starr. Before Starr became an actor he was a professional football player known as Bill Starr. Primarily a tight end, he played college football for the Hofstra Pride and was signed by the New York Jets, with whom he served on the taxi squad for three seasons. He later played in the Canadian Football League with the Montreal Alouettes and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Career

In 1980, Starr acted in the play The Set-Up at The American Theatre of Actors.

Starr's well-known television role was in the 1990s Canadian television series Due South as Lieutenant Harding Welsh of The Chicago Police Department. He also starred in the 1980s television series Rituals, Bizarre and True Blue. He has starred in several made-for-television movies, and appeared in a number of productions based in Canada, including Due South, Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye and Doc as well as some advertisements.

His first feature film role was in the 1982 comedy film Hanky Panky with Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner. He also appeared in Carl Reiner's 1987 comedy Summer School, Martin Scorsese's hit 1990 crime drama Goodfellas as Henry Hill's father, and in the 2005 drama Cinderella Man. Starr made many guest appearances on television series, including T.J. Hooker, The A-Team, Knight Rider, Hill Street Blues, V: The Series, Hunter, Wings, The 4400, A Nero Wolfe Mystery and NYPD Blue.

Death

Starr died at his home in Vancouver, Canada, on April 24, 2026, at the age of 81.

CFL statistics

Year Team Receiving
G Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
1969 Montreal Alouettes 14 51 686 13.5 66 1
1970 Hamilton Tiger-Cats 4 7 134 19.1 38 1
Total 20 58 820 14.1 66 2

Filmography

References

  1. ↑ "Beau Starr". TV Guide. Retrieved May 4, 2026.
  2. ↑ "Where Are They Now? : Halloween's Beau Starr". Horror Society. October 21, 2014. Retrieved May 2, 2026.
  3. ↑ "Beau Starr Dies: 'Goodfellas' & 'Halloween' Franchise Actor Was 81". Deadline. May 2, 2026. Retrieved May 2, 2026.
  4. ↑ "Shooting Starrs". Toronto Star. October 19, 2003. p. D 9. Retrieved May 15, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ↑ Pisano, Pat (June 17, 1984). "TV Line". Newsday (Suffolk Edition). Melville, New York. p. 346. Retrieved May 15, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. 1 2 Scott, Bob (February 28, 1970). "Cats get Bill Starr, Als claim Ceppetelli". The Hamilton Spectator. p. 12. Retrieved May 4, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ↑ Usher, George (September 19, 1968). "If Jets Call D'Amato, Job Is a Brutal One". Newsday. p. 53. Retrieved May 4, 2026 – via Newspapers.com. Former Hofstra end Bill Starr was also with the Jets' taxi squad. He recently asked for his release from a third term on the taxi when he and Ewbank disagreed on a salary.
  8. ↑ "Bill Starr Pro Football Stats". ProFootballArchives.com. Retrieved November 1, 2025.
  9. ↑ "(photo caption)". Daily News. Jersey City, New Jersey. May 15, 1980. p. 105. Retrieved May 15, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ↑ "'Halloween' Franchise Actor Beau Starr Dead at 81". TMZ. May 2, 2026. Retrieved May 2, 2026.
  11. ↑ "Bill Starr football statistics". StatsCrew.com. Retrieved November 1, 2025.