Former child actor Jeffrey Louis Starr, known for his role in two “Bad News Bears” sequels, died July 25 at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, Illinois. He was 61 years old.
Starr passed away after battling a serious illness for several years, according to family members who confirmed his death to TMZ. He was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing.
The actor’s brother Kevin shared news of the death on Facebook one day after Starr passed away. Kevin wrote that “Jeff lived an amazing life and shared his life with countless people.” The brother also noted that Starr had been sick for several years and mentioned that depression is one of the biggest killers in the world, though he did not specify the exact cause of death.
Born February 20, 1964, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Starr portrayed catcher Mike Engelberg in “The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training” (1977) and “The Bad News Bears Go to Japan” (1978). He replaced Gary Lee Cavagnaro, who played the character in the original 1976 film starring Walter Matthau and Tatum O’Neal.
In the sequels, Starr worked alongside notable actors including Tony Curtis, William Devane, and Clifton James. Curtis was known for classic films including “Some Like It Hot” (1959) with Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon. Devane gained recognition for his roles in the soap opera “Knots Landing” and the Fox series “24.”
The original “Bad News Bears” film was both a box office and critical success, garnering accolades including a Writers Guild Award for Best Comedy Written Directly For The Screen. The premise followed an aging, down-on-his-luck ex-minor leaguer who coaches a team of misfits in an ultra-competitive California little league.
According to his IMDB page, the “Bad News Bears” sequels are the only official acting credits listed under Starr’s name, though sources indicate he appeared as an extra in several projects during his later years. The franchise also spawned a short-lived CBS series from 1979-1980 and a 2005 remake starring Billy Bob Thornton and Greg Kinnear.
After his acting career, Starr became a deacon in 2010 at the Mill Creek Baptist Church. His obituary noted that he loved going to church and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was also a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild and a longtime member of the Moose Lodge #1346 in Anna.
Starr married Linda Darlene Webb in 1981, and the couple celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary in June, just months before his death. The marriage lasted throughout his entire adult life, spanning more than four decades.
He is survived by his wife Linda, two sons Brandon and Jacob, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren with another on the way. He also leaves behind two brothers, one sister, and other relatives.
Kevin Starr’s Facebook tribute described his brother as someone who never met a stranger and helped many people throughout the years. He indicated that Jeffrey gave great hugs, had a big heart, and seemed to make friends at just about every place he visited.
The actor’s death was first reported by TMZ on August 9, more than two weeks after he passed away. Multiple family members confirmed the details of his passing to the entertainment news outlet.
Kevin Starr concluded his Facebook tribute by expressing his love for his brother and stating that he would see him on the other side. He also asked for prayers for their family, including their mother Janet “Sue” Starr, Jeffrey’s wife Linda, his sons, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
The family indicated that they have suffered many losses in the past but emphasized their determination to push through the difficult time. No funeral arrangements or memorial service details were mentioned in the available reports.
