Sometimes, real life is more interesting than a movie — and Jack Betts’ life was just like that. He was a star who did shine in the glamour of Hollywood, but his journey was filled with struggles, deep friendships, and powerful acting. Even though he wasn’t a household name, his work left a strong and unforgettable mark on film history.
Jack Betts died on June 20, 2025, at the age of 96. His nephew, Dean Sullivan, announced the sad news with the Hollywood Reporter.
Jack’s acting helped shape the way we see today’s modern movies. From gritty spaghetti westerns to fun superhero films, his career is a true example of talent and versatility.
In this article, we have covered everything about Jack Betts — his life, career, and personal moments. So let’s take a look at the inspirational journey of this amazing actor.
Who Was Jack Betts?
Jack Betts was a well-known and respected American actor, famous for his roles in spaghetti western films and popular movies like Spider-Man and Gods and Monsters.The name Hunt Powers was his well-known stage identity. During the 1960s and 70s, Betts worked in over 15 spaghetti western films. His first big hit was Sugar Colt (1966). Though he didn’t gain worldwide fame like his contemporary Clint Eastwood, his performances were powerful and unforgettable.
In addition to his film career, Jack Betts became a familiar face on television, playing Dr. Ivan Kipling in the ABC hit show One Life to Live for six years, from 1979 to 1985. Apart from that, he also appeared in many famous soap operas like General Hospital, Guiding Light, All My Children, and Search for Tomorrow.
Early Life and Education
Jack Betts’s full name was Jack Fillmore Betts. He was born on April 11, 1929, in Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. He often shared that he was connected by blood to the 13th U.S. President, Millard Fillmore. When he was just 10 years old, his family moved to Miami. There, for the first time, he watched the movie Wuthering Heights (1939) with his mother and saw actor Laurence Olivier—from that moment, Jack knew he wanted to become an actor.
Education
Jack completed his schooling at Miami Senior High School and then studied theatre at the University of Miami, where he worked hard on his acting skills. He also took part in a Cuban production of Moss Hart’s play Light Up the Sky. But the journey to success wasn’t easy. He later moved to New York and in 1953, he started his theatre career with the Broadway production of Richard III.
The Actors Studio: A Turning Point
Jack’s life took a surprising turn when he least expected it. A friend asked him to accompany him to an audition at The Actors Studio. Jack helped by reading a scene — and surprisingly, his raw talent caught the eye of legendary director Lee Strasberg. Impressed, Strasberg offered Jack a three-year scholarship. This marked the kickoff of a new period in his acting life.
At the Actors Studio, Jack met famous director Elia Kazan, who cast him in major plays like “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and “Sweet Bird of Youth”. This moment set the stage for something remarkable.
Becoming “Hunt Powers” in Spaghetti Westerns
Jack stepped onto the Broadway stage for the first time in 1953, performing in Richard III alongside José Ferrer. A few years later, in 1959, he appeared in his first film, The Bloody Brood, sharing the screen with Peter Falk. But his real breakthrough came in 1966 with the Italian western “Sugar Colt”, where he played the lead role and adopted the screen name “Hunt Powers.”
While he played Dr. Tom Cooper, a government special agent, it’s the story behind getting the role that really grabs attention. Jack told director Franco Giraldi that he was great at horseback riding and shooting — but in truth, he had never ridden a horse or held a gun. Once cast, he spent three intense weeks at John Wayne’s ranch, where he learned both skills just in time for the film.
The Star of Spaghetti Westerns
The success of Sugar Colt opened doors for Jack in nearly 15 spaghetti western films during the 1960s and 70s. Movies like A Barrel Full of Dollars, One Damned Day at Dawn… Django Meets Sartana!, and A Fistful of Death made him a well-known name across Europe. But Jack always felt a bit sad that, unlike his contemporary Clint Eastwood—whose films were released worldwide—his movies never made it to Canada or the U.S.
In an interview, he once joked, “Clint Eastwood was shooting on the hill next to my hotel, and I was shooting on mine. The only difference was—his movies reached America, mine didn’t.”
Strong Presence on TV and in Hollywood
Jack’s career wasn’t just limited to films. He also left a mark on television. Jack Betts made an appearance as Chris Devlin in CBS’s detective series Checkmate in 1961. After that, he was seen in popular shows like Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and The F.B.I., which made him a familiar face in American households.
But his real popularity came from soap operas. From 1979 to 1985, he played Dr. Ivan Kipling in One Life to Live. He also had roles in General Hospital, All My Children, Guiding Light, and Generations, which made him a daytime TV star.
In Hollywood movies too, Jack left his own mark. Even though his roles were small, they were memorable—whether it was Gods and Monsters (1998), Falling Down (1993), 8MM, Office Space, Batman Forever, or Batman & Robin.
The Man Who Fired the Villain in Spider-Man
In 2002, Jack played Henry Balkan in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man, the chairman of Oscorp Technologies. In one scene, he tells Willem Dafoe’s character, Norman Osborn, “You’re out, Norman.”
Even though it was a short scene, Jack’s presence made it unforgettable. Later in the movie, his character is killed during the Green Goblin’s attack at Times Square. That one role made him popular among a whole new generation of fans.
Once, Jack jokingly told Sam Raimi, “I want to work in Spider-Man 2 too. I’ll dye my hair, wear a wig, even wear a dress if needed!” But Raimi laughed and said no.
Once Played Dracula on Broadway
Jack acted in famous Broadway plays like Sweet Bird of Youth and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Between 1977 and 1980, he played Dr. Seward in the play Dracula. One day, he even replaced Raul Julia and played Dracula himself — that was the most exciting moment of his career.
A Deep Friendship with Doris Roberts
Doris Roberts, the actress from Everybody Loves Raymond, had a special place in Jack’s life. They met in 1954 at The Actors Studio. In 1988, Jack started living in an apartment at Doris’s Hollywood Hills home. They stayed together and appeared at many Hollywood events as friends. Doris even directed a play written by Jack called Screen Test: Take One. Jack once said about Doris, “We were best friends until the very end.” Their friendship was so strong that they stayed close until Doris passed away in 2016.
Jack was married to Alisa Peoples, who was also his musical partner. After Jack’s death, Alisa said, “He was the love of my life, my protector. Now he is my guardian angel.”
Final Days and Legacy
Jack Bates was 96 years old when he peacefully passed away in his sleep on June 20, 2025, at his home in Los Osos, California. His nephew Dean Sullivan confirmed the news. The cause of death was complications related to heart disease.
In his career spanning six decades, Jack acted in more than 100 films and TV shows. Whether playing Boris Karloff in Gods and Monsters (1998), a small role in Batman Forever (1995), or Tom in Friends (2001), Jack left his mark in every role.
Beverly Hills Playhouse paid an emotional tribute after his death:
“Our dear Jack Bates passed away peacefully at home. Many actors say Jack’s encouragement gave them the strength not to give up. His spirit, passion, and dedication enriched us all.”
He is survived by his sister Joan (who will turn 100 this November), two nieces Lynn and Gail, and nephew Dean Sullivan.
Working with Directors and Actors
In recent years, Bates worked with some big names in cinema. Working with directors like Sergio Leone, he learned new techniques and styles of storytelling. Collaborating with other actors helped him refine his craft and expand his range.
Career Achievements
His important milestones include awards and industry recognition for his powerful performances. Moving from small roles to leading parts was a key highlight. These moments proved his staying power in Hollywood.
Conclusion
Jack Bates’s journey teaches us that commitment is beyond fame. He performed every role with complete honesty — on TV, stage, or the big screen. He was an artist who brought every character to life. Not just on screen, but in real life, he showed that if you have passion in your heart, no goal is too far.
Jack Bates is no longer with us, but his films, characters, and stories will live forever. Goodbye, Jack. May your soul rest in peace.
FAQs
1. Who was Jack Betts?
Ans: Jack Betts was an American film and television actor known for his work in classic Westerns and Hollywood movies. He also went by the name Hunt Powers in Italian cinema and had a career spanning over five decades.
2. What were Jack Betts’s most famous movies?
Ans: Jack Betts was best known for his roles in Spider-Man, The Bloody Brood, One Damned Day at Dawn… Django Meets Sartana!, and several classic Spaghetti Westerns under the name Hunt Powers.
3. When did Jack Betts start his acting career?
Ans: Jack Betts started his acting career in the late 1950s.
4. Why is Jack Betts remembered today?
Ans: Jack Betts is remembered today for his legendary acting career in classic Hollywood films, his iconic roles in Westerns, and the lasting impact he made on cinema over several decades.
5. Did Jack Betts work in television too?
Ans: Yes, Jack Betts also worked in television, appearing in several popular TV shows alongside his film career.
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