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Entertainment • Actor

Ron Lester

Ron Lester was an American actor best known for playing Billy Bob in the film *Varsity Blues* and for roles in *Good Burger*, *Not Another Teen Movie*, and the television series *Popular*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ron Lester was an American actor best known for his role as Billy Bob in the 1999 film *Varsity Blues*. He also appeared in *Good Burger* (1997), *Not Another Teen Movie* (2001), and the television series *Popular*. Born in Kennesaw, Georgia, Lester died in Dallas, Texas, in 2016 at age 45.

Early life

Ron Lester was born on August 4, 1970, in Kennesaw, Georgia, United States. Sources indicate he later moved into entertainment after early work in performance and comedy.

Acting career

Lester appeared in film and television during the late 1990s and 2000s. His best-known role was Billy Bob in *Varsity Blues*, and he also worked in *Good Burger*, *Not Another Teen Movie*, and *Popular*.

Later life and death

Lester’s later career included fewer screen appearances, with sources listing activity through about 2010. He died on June 17, 2016, in Dallas, Texas, at age 45. Sources report his death was due to liver and kidney failure or organ failure.

Key facts

  • Ron Lester was an American actor.
  • He was best known for his role as Billy Bob in *Varsity Blues* (1999).
  • He also appeared in *Good Burger* (1997), *Not Another Teen Movie* (2001), and the TV series *Popular*.
  • He was born in Kennesaw, Georgia, on August 4, 1970, and died in Dallas, Texas, on June 17, 2016, at age 45.
  • His death was attributed to liver and kidney failure or organ failure.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Ron Lester?
Ron Lester was an American actor known for film and television roles, especially Billy Bob in *Varsity Blues*.
What was Ron Lester best known for?
He was best known for his role in *Varsity Blues* and for appearances in *Good Burger*, *Not Another Teen Movie*, and *Popular*.
When was Ron Lester born?
He was born on August 4, 1970.
When did Ron Lester die?
He died on June 17, 2016, at age 45.
Where was Ron Lester from?
He was from Kennesaw, Georgia, in the United States.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Lester
    Supports: Birth date, death date, nationality, and main acting credits.
  2. Television Academy — https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/ron-lester
    Supports: Career summary and notable roles in film and television.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0504516/bio/
    Supports: Birthplace, death place, and reported cause of death.
  4. USA Today — https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2016/06/18/varsity-blues-actor-ron-lester-dies-45/86081264/
    Supports: Death notice, age at death, and reporting on organ failure.