The cast and crew of Varsity Blues have mourned several talented actors ever since their film was released in 1999.
In November 2013, Paul Walker — who played Lance Harbor in the football drama — died in a tragic single-car accident and explosion in Southern California. He was 40 years old.
The Fast and the Furious actor’s cause of death was the combined effects of “traumatic and thermal” injuries from the car crash.
Three years later, the Varsity Blues cast mourned the death of Ron Lester. The actor, who played Billy Bob in the beloved movie — died after battling liver and kidney problems.
In February 2026, the Varsity Blues cast said goodbye to another cast member when news broke that James Van Der Beek had died at 48 after being diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer.
“He met his final days with courage, faith and grace,” a statement read on Van Der Beek’s Instagram page. “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come.”
For now, keep reading to learn more about the Varsity Blues actors who died too soon:
Paul Walker
Paul Walker tragically lost his life in a car accident while attending a charity event for his organization, Reach Out Worldwide.
“He was a passenger in a friend’s car, in which both lost their lives,” the organization said in a statement at the time. “We appreciate your patience as we too are stunned and saddened beyond belief by this news.”
James Van Der Beek was one of the first Varsity Blues stars to pay tribute to Walker online.
“Thoughts and prayers tonight are with Paul Walker’s friends and family, especially his little girl,” Van Der Beek shared via X. “So sad. Very heavy heart tonight.”
He continued to post touching throwback photos in Walker’s honor, including memories from the set of Varsity Blues.
Ron Lester
Ron Lester died in June 2016 from organ failure, his agent shared via Facebook at the time. He was 45.
The Georgia-born actor had been hospitalized for nearly four months with liver and kidney problems before he died peacefully with his fiancée by his side.
“Sad day… #RonLester was a sensitive soul with a huge heart,” James Van Der Beek wrote via X after Lester’s death. “Everything you loved about Billy Bob was authentically Ron. #RIP bud.”
James Van Der Beek
James Van Der Beek — who played the academically successful yet rebellious backup quarterback Mox in Varsity Blues — died in February 2026 after being diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer.
“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 the actor’s Instagram 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.”
A GoFundMe was later launched to support James’ wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children.
