Varsity Blues star Ron Lester has died at the age of 45, his agent confirmed.
The actor, who played footballer Billy Bob in the 1999 movie, was in a critical condition at a Dallas, Texas medical centre early on Friday after suffering liver and kidney failure, his agent Dave Bradley said.
Bradley later confirmed on his Facebook page that the actor had died on Friday evening.
"Tonight my friends we lost my good friend and actor Ron Lester - he passed at 8:57 pm Dallas TX Time. He was not in any pain and passed away peacefully," he wrote.
"For the media - I will release a press statement as soon as I have a chance to mourn my friend. Please keep his fiancee Jennifer Worland in your prayers as she was with him. His friends and family was around him during this difficult time."
The Georgia-born actor was previously admitted to hospital in November (15) due to liver and kidney issues.
"Liver & kidneys are starting to heal, Came close to dying! With out my fiancé (sic) Jennifer Worland, I wouldn't be alive," he wrote on Twitter alongside a photo of the pair kissing.
Lester underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2000 and lost 350 pounds (158 kg). He later discussed his decision to have the weight-loss surgery, and revealed that it affected his career.
"The difference is that I am no longer the ‘funny fat guy,’” Lester said. “I sold my ‘niche’ for my chance to live... I would never trade the life I have now with... the endless opportunities I have in store for me, with my old life."
Lester started his acting career in the 1997 Nickelodeon film Good Burger, before going on to star as the lovable football player in teen drama Varsity Blues.
He later starred on The WB show Popular for its two seasons, and spoofed his Varsity Blues character in Not Another Teen Movie.
More recently he made an appearance on CSI: NY, and had a part in the upcoming film Bomb City.
R.I.P, #RonLester. The 'Varsity Blues' star was only 45 years old when he passed. https://t.co/CO93vRAHg4 pic.twitter.com/hvVLnabeIF
— IMDb (@IMDb) June 18, 2016
To my good buddy #RonLester you always made me smile brother. I was blessed to have known ya. May you rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/O4vtPlkNqr
— Bryce Johnson (@BryceOJohnson) June 18, 2016
Sounds silly but Varsity Blues is one of my favorite movies. Very sad to hear about #RonLester.
— Amy Schmittauer (@Schmittastic) June 18, 2016
"I got my cat scanned, I'm okay, I can play"
— Sgt. John Perrine (@ISPIndianapolis) June 18, 2016
R.I.P Billy Bob #RonLester pic.twitter.com/rSGOpEYjQx
#RonLester was the sweetest, huggiest, kindest boy in the world...we will miss you "Sugar Daddy"! #Popular https://t.co/HPPMnNyeC8
— Leslie Bibb (@mslesliebibb) June 18, 2016
First time I met #RonLester in 2001. He was a sweetheart. May he rest well now, free from pain. #RIPRonLester pic.twitter.com/OSjPIrCLv8
— THE L.A. SCENE (@TheLAScene) June 18, 2016
