Ned Beatty, prolific 'Superman' and 'Network' character actor, dies at 83

Beloved character actor Ned Beatty, who made his film debut in “Deliverance” and delivered memorable performances in classics like “Network” and “Superman,” died on Sunday at age 83.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1937, Beatty got his start as an actor in regional theater in the South in the 1960s before making his film debut in John Boorman’s 1972 film “Deliverance.”

He went on to appear in scores of films and TV shows in his 50-plus years as an actor, proving the importance of supporting cast and that character actors could also steal the scene.

Two years later, he earned an Oscar nomination for his supporting role in 1976’s “Network,” where he had a brief but memorable role as a TV network executive.

Beatty then played the bumbling the sidekick to DC Comics villain Lex Luthor in the 1978 “Superman” movie opposite Gene Hackman and Christopher Reeve.

As Luthor’s minion Otis, Beatty gave a subtly funny and memorable performance that at times turned the superhero drama into almost a comedy.

Beatty earned Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a miniseries (for 1979’s “Friendly Fire”) and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a miniseries (for 1990’s “Last Train Home”). He also earned a Drama Desk Award in 2004 for his role as Big Daddy in a Broadway revival of Tennessee Williams’ “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”

At: https://www.thewrap.com/ned-beatty-prolific-superman-and-network-character-actor-dies-at-83/

Prolific character actor Ned Beatty and co-star Gene Hackman face the spotlight in Superman II (1980).