Jack Betts Dies at 96: ‘Spider-Man’ and Spaghetti Western Star Passes Away Peacefully in His Sleep

Veteran actor Jack Betts, widely recognized for his roles in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man and classic spaghetti Westerns, died in his sleep at the age of 96 at his California home.

Los Osos [California], June 21: Jack Betts, the seasoned character actor best remembered for his appearances in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man and a string of spaghetti Westerns, has passed away at the age of 96. The actor died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, June 19, at his residence in Los Osos, California, his nephew Dean Sullivan confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.

A prolific talent across stage and screen, Betts had a career that spanned decades, genres, and continents. From Broadway productions to Italian Westerns, and from iconic TV sitcoms to a role opposite Willem Dafoe in a Marvel blockbuster, Betts remained a versatile and dedicated actor through every phase of his career.

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🎬 From Broadway to ‘Spider-Man’: Jack Betts’ Multifaceted Career

Born in New Jersey, Betts moved to Miami at the age of 10. He caught the acting bug early, inspired by Laurence Olivier’s haunting performance in Wuthering Heights (1939). After graduating from the University of Miami’s theatre program, Betts began his journey in entertainment with a Broadway adaptation of Richard III.

Betts later transitioned to film and television, eventually becoming a staple in Italian spaghetti Westerns, including his role in Franco Giraldi’s Sugar Coat (1966). He also held a three-year stint on Broadway in Dracula, proving his depth as both a stage and screen performer.

His resume includes appearances in several beloved TV shows, such as Seinfeld, Frasier, Everybody Loves Raymond, Friends, My Name Is Earl, Recovery Road, and Good Trouble (2019), his final credited role according to IMDb.

However, he is perhaps best known for portraying Henry Balkan in Sam Raimi’s 2002 superhero classic Spider-Man. In the film, Betts played an executive at Oscorp Technologies, acting opposite Willem Dafoe, whose character transforms into the villainous Green Goblin.

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🏡 A Life Full of Friendships and Theatre

Betts shared a deep personal friendship with Doris Roberts, known for her role in Everybody Loves Raymond. The two were close companions from the late 1980s until her death in 2016. They frequently attended industry events together, and Roberts even directed Betts’ play Screen Test: Take One, a satire about the soap opera world.

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💬 Tributes and Legacy

Following the announcement of his death, the Beverly Hills Playhouse shared a touching tribute on Instagram:

“Our beloved Jack Betts passed away peacefully at home. There are actors who credit him with their not giving up because of his encouragement. We were so fortunate to have enjoyed his great spirit, passion and true dedication to the work… There was only ever one like this and we are the richer for having his presence in our theatre. Rest in peace, Jack.”

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👪 Survived by Family

Jack Betts is survived by his nephew Dean Sullivan, nieces Lynee and Gail, and his sister Joan, who will turn 100 in November.

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🕯️ Final Curtain Call

Jack Betts leaves behind a legacy of eclectic performances, a trail of mentorship, and a career that serves as a reminder that true artistry transcends genre and era. Whether facing outlaws in dusty Westerns or sitting at the corporate table in a superhero saga, Betts brought depth, dignity, and charisma to every role he played.