On Thursday, June 19, the world of cinema and television said goodbye to one of its enduring figures: Jack Fillmore Betts, also known by his screen name Hunt Powers, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Los Osos, California. He was 96 years old, his nephew Dean Sullivan confirmed.
A Remarkable Career
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Born April 11, 1929, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Betts moved to Miami at age 10. He studied drama at the University of Miami and later joined the prestigious Actors Studio in New York, where he was awarded a scholarship after impressing famed director Lee Strasberg.
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He made his Broadway debut in 1953 in Richard III, a role that launched a decades-long career across stage, film, and television.
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In the mid-1960s, Betts headed to Europe, adopting the alias Hunt Powers and starring in a string of spaghetti westerns between 1966 and 1973, beginning with Sugar Colt. Though these films were successful in Europe, they saw limited release in the U.S. and Canada – leading to a humorous exchange between Betts and Clint Eastwood over who was “the king” of spaghetti westerns.
From Classic Films to Pop Culture
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Betts’ filmography was wide-ranging, with roles in Batman Forever (1995), Falling Down (1993), Gods and Monsters (1998), 8 MM (1999), and Office Space (1999).
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He gained modern-day recognition with his appearance as Henry Balkan, a board member at Oscorp, in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man (2002), a small but memorable role alongside Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin.
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On television, Betts was a versatile guest star in some of America’s most iconic shows: Seinfeld, Frasier, Friends, Everybody Loves Raymond, Power Rangers, One Life to Live, and General Hospital, to name a few.
Theater and Personal Life
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Betts also had a prolific stage career, starring as Dracula on Broadway from 1977 to 1980 and writing the stage play Screen Test: Take One.
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He shared a close friendship and home with actress Doris Roberts (best known for Everybody Loves Raymond) from 1988 until her death in 2016. Friends and peers at the Beverly Hills Playhouse credited Betts with inspiring generations of performers through his mentorship and generosity.
Legacy and Farewell
Betts spent his final years surrounded by family. He is survived by his sister Joan, who is nearing 100 years old, and nieces and nephews Dean, Lynee, and Gail. His loss was deeply felt by the acting community, who praised his enduring charm, commitment to the craft, and unforgettable on- and off-screen presence.
Jack Betts leaves behind a legacy that transcends genres and generations — from the dust and grit of European westerns, to the grandeur of Broadway, to blockbusters and sitcoms that defined pop culture. A true character actor, a guiding mentor, and a lasting star.
