'Varsity Blues' actor Ron Lester dies at 45

Ron Lester, best known for playing the lovable offensive lineman Billy Bob in the 1999 high school football movie "Varsity Blues," died Friday night at the age of 45.

The Georgia native had been hospitalized for months with liver and kidney issues before being moved to hospice care. He was surrounded by family and friends when he passed away, his agent Dave Bradley told NBC News.

Lester's acting career began in 1997 with a role in Nickelodeon flick "Good Burger." He went on to appear in the television series "Freaks and Geeks" and "Not Another Teen Movie," in which he spoofed his "Varsity Blues" character.

James Van Der Beek, who starred alongside Lester in "Varsity Blues," was among those who paid tribute to the actor.