Hollywood Veteran Jack Betts, Known for ‘Spider-Man’, Dies at 96
In 2002, The film 'Spider-Man' directed by Sam Raimi made 'Spider-Man' popular among the teenagers of that time. In the film, along with 'Peter Parker' or 'Spider-Man', another character, 'Henry Balkan', gained popularity. This character was played by American actor Jack Betts. The famous star passed away on Thursday at the age of 96. His nephew Dean Sullivan said that he died at his home in Los Osos, California.
Early Life and Education
The death of Jack sent shockwaves through the Western entertainment arena. Jack Fillmore Betts was born on April 11, 1929, in Jersey City, New Jersey. Due to the 'Fillmore' in his name, the actor used to joke that he was a distant relative of Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States. Jack was brought up in Miami. He majored in theater at the University of Miami and then shifted to New York City. He began his acting career in 1953 in 'Richard III'.
A Versatile Career on Stage and Screen
Bates' career was turned around at an audition at the Actors Studio. His pleasantness with his friend so impressed the casting director that he gave him a three-year scholarship. It was at this time that director Elia Kazan cast him in 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof', 'Sweet Bird of Youth' and, in the late 1970s, 'Dracula'. He was a familiar face on the small screen and big screen in several shows like 'General Hospital', 'All My Children', 'Guiding Light' and 'The Young and the Restless'.
