'Network' and 'Deliverance' Actor Ned Beatty Passes Away at 83

Veteran actor Ned Beatty, remembered for playing characters in classic films such as Network (1977), All The President's Men (1976), Deliverance (1972), and the sports drama Rudy (1993), passed away Sunday afternoon due to natural causes.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 83-year-old actor died at his residence in Los Angeles, California.

The actor turned in memorable performances for both movie theaters and TV audiences, earning an Emmy nomination for his role in the made-for-TV film Friendly Fire in 1979.

Beatty also graced televisions across America with his role as Detective Stanley Bolander in the NBC crime drama, Homicide: Life on the Street (1993-1999). The lead actor on the series, Yaphet Kotto, passed away in March 2021.

Beatty's work began in local theater, with a role in The Great White Hope in 1968. He eventually became a Hollywood staple.

The John Boorman-directed Deliverance, in which he starred alongside Jon Voight and the late Burt Reynolds became his first commercial break. Beatty's next big role came when he was cast in the Best Picture-nominated hit Network.

Beatty is also remembered for his role as villain Lex Luthor's sidekick in the Richard Donner-directed Superman (1978) and as the titular character's ornery father in the inspirational film Rudy. His passing leaves behind a legacy and filmography filled with performances worth watching again and again.

Rest In Peace.

Written by

Alejandro Avila lives in Southern California and previously covered news for the LA Football Network. Jeopardy expert and grumpy sports fan. Known for having watched every movie and constant craving for dessert. @alejandroaveela (on X)