The late Ron Lester’s role as the emotional offensive guard Billy Bob in Varsity Blues will always be remembered.
The 1999 football movie has become a cult-classic sports film, with the late James Van Der Beek starring as hopeful backup quarterback Jonathan “Mox” Moxon, who has dreams of escaping his small Texas hometown. When the starting quarterback and Mox’s best friend Lance Harbor (played by the late Paul Walker) gets hurt, Mox is forced to become the football team captain — which changes his future plans.
While the late 1990s and early 2000s were full of football movies (see: the 2004 film Friday Night Lights), this film has continued to be talked about more than two decades after it was released.
Perhaps it was Ali Larter’s now-famous whipped cream bikini that did it, or maybe Mox’s “I don’t want your life” speech, which was aimed at his father, played by Thomas F. Duffy. (You can even watch a 10-minute compilation video of Van Der Beek saying, “I don’t want your life,” on repeat, in a Texas accent.)
But one thing’s for sure: Lester’s Billy Bob totally made the movie, scoring the film’s final touchdown and then crying about it. (Never forget Mox’s voiceover declaring, “Billy Bob cried, ’cause he’s a bit of a crier.”)
Varsity Blues is in the headlines once again in 2026 following the death of Van Der Beek at age 48 after a lengthy cancer battle.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith and grace,” a statement shared via Instagram in February 2026 read. “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
Van Der Beek’s death came years after his former costar Lester died in June 2016 at age 45.
Keep scrolling for everything to know about Lester:
Who Played Billy Bob in ‘Varsity Blues’?
Ron Lester starred as Billy Bob in Varsity Blues. Throughout his career, the actor also had roles in movies including Good Burger (his film debut), Not Another Teen Movie, The Greenskeeper, The Fat Boy Chronicles and Racing Legacy (his final role before his death).
The actor underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2000 after being overweight his entire life. It’s been reported that he weighed as much as 508 pounds at one point. By 2014, Lester had lost more than 300 pounds.
Did Billy Bob From ‘Varsity Blues’ Die?
Ron Lester died on June 17, 2016, following a lengthy hospitalization.
How Did Billy Bob From ‘Varsity Blues’ Die?
Ron Lester was initially hospitalized in September 2015 after experiencing issues with his liver and kidneys. By November of that year, Lester offered fans an update on his health via X (then Twitter).
“Liver & kidneys are starting to heal, Came close to dying!” he wrote at the time. “With out my fiancé Jennifer Worland, I wouldn’t be alive!”
In June 2016, his agent confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that Lester had suffered liver and kidney failure and was being moved to hospice care where his breathing tubes would be removed.
