Jack Betts, a versatile and debonair character actor, passed away at the age of 96 in his sleep at his home in Los Osos, California. Known for his memorable roles in films like Spider-Man and Gods and Monsters, Betts also gained early fame in spaghetti Westerns where he starred under the pseudonym Hunt Powers.
Despite sharing a professional path with Clint Eastwood, Betts’ Westerns never achieved the same global distribution. Nonetheless, his role in Sugar Colt (1966) marked the beginning of a prolific, albeit underrated, chapter in European cinema.
A Theatrical Force and Loyal Friend with Deep Roots in Stage and Screen
Beyond his film career, Betts enjoyed a steady presence on American television, especially in soap operas. He portrayed Dr. Ivan Kipling on One Life to Live and had roles in General Hospital, The Edge of Night, and several others. On stage, he made his Broadway debut in 1953 and went on to participate in major productions, including Richard III and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, the latter thanks to his association with Elia Kazan and The Actors Studio. A highlight of his theater career was briefly stepping into the role of Dracula during a Broadway revival in the late 1970s.
Jack Betts Dies at 96 as Spaghetti Western Star and Stage Veteran Remembered for Versatile LegacyBetts was a close friend of Everybody Loves Raymond star Doris Roberts. Their bond began in 1954 at The Actors Studio and continued until her death in 2016. In 1988, he moved into an apartment in her Hollywood Hills home, and the two were inseparable companions at Hollywood events for decades. Their friendship also had a creative element—Roberts directed a play Betts had written, further showcasing his multifaceted talents as a writer and performer.
From Miami Roots to International Fame: A Legacy Built on Talent and Tenacity
Born in Jersey City in 1929 and raised in Miami, Betts was inspired to act after seeing Laurence Olivier in Wuthering Heights. His journey to stardom was unconventional; he earned a scholarship at The Actors Studio after a chance audition and later bluffed his way into a lead role in Sugar Colt by falsely claiming he had horse-riding and shooting experience—skills he quickly acquired at John Wayne’s ranch. His commitment and adaptability propelled him into an international career, especially in Rome’s Cinecittà studios during the heyday of Italian Westerns.
Jack Betts continued to appear in major films and TV shows through the late 1990s and early 2000s, including Batman Forever, Office Space, Falling Down, and guest roles in shows like Friends, Frasier, and The Mentalist. He was proud of his eclectic resume and the life he built through persistence, talent, and relationships. Betts is survived by his sister Joan, nieces Lynne and Gail, and nephew Dean Sullivan. His long, rich life in the arts, marked by quiet consistency and enduring friendships, leaves a legacy that reaches across genres and generations.