Remembering Jeffrey Louis Starr: The Child Star Who Played with Hollywood Legends
SHOCKING LOSS: Beloved Former Child Star Jeffrey Louis Starr Dies at 61
In a devastating blow, former child star Jeffrey Louis Starr has passed away surrounded by loved ones at the tender age of 61. The news of his untimely demise has left fans and friends reeling in shock.
According to sources close to the family, Jeffrey had been battling an illness for several years before his passing on July 25th at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, Illinois. His brother Kevin shared a heart-wrenching post on Facebook just a day after his passing, revealing that he had been "sick for several years" and that depression is one of the biggest killers in the world.
Jeffrey's untimely death has sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry, with many taking to social media to pay tribute to the beloved actor. "The world got a little darker yesterday with the passing of my Best Friend and Brother," Kevin wrote in his post. "Jeff lived an amazing life and shared his life with countless people, Jeff never met a stranger and helped so many people throughout the years."
But what's even more astonishing is that Jeffrey's acting career was marked by only two notable roles - playing Mike Engelberg in The Bad News Bears sequels, including The Bad News Bears In Breaking Training (1977) and The Bad News Bears Go To Japan (1978). Yes, you read that right - just two films to his name!
The original film, which premiered in 1976, starred Walter Matthau, Tatum O'Neal, and Vic Morrow. But it was the sequels that brought Jeffrey to the spotlight, with him working alongside Hollywood icons like William Devane and Clifton James in the first sequel.
In an interesting twist, Jeffrey's IMDB page lists only these two acting credits - leaving one wondering what could have been if he had continued his acting career. However, it seems that Jeffrey moved on to bigger things, becoming a deacon at the Mill Creek Baptist Church in 2010 and even joining the Moose Lodge #1346 in Anna.
The late actor is survived by his loving wife Linda Darlene Webb, whom he married in 1981 - just nine years after graduating from high school. The couple celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary just a few months ago in June. Jeffrey's children, Brandon and Jacob, are also left to mourn the loss of their beloved father.
But what's even more remarkable is that Jeffrey's family has suffered numerous losses in the past - and yet they continue to push through with courage and resilience. As Kevin wrote in his post: "Our family has suffered so many losses in the past but we must push through." And it seems that Jeffrey would have wanted them to do just that.
A funeral service was held four days after his passing on July 29th at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home. The outpouring of love and support from fans and friends has been overwhelming, with many sharing their favorite memories of Jeffrey online.
As we say goodbye to this talented actor and devoted family man, we can't help but wonder what could have been if he had continued his acting career. But for now, let's take a moment to remember the life and legacy of Jeffrey Louis Starr - and the countless people whose lives he touched throughout the years.