Ron Lester

A familiar face to younger audiences due to roles in such high school-set favorites as "Varsity Blues" (1999) and the series "Popular" (The WB, 1999-2001), actor Ron Lester has worked in various capacities in the entertainment business, from rodeo rider to stand-up comedian. A hefty performer, with close-cropped hair and a natural exuberance, he made his film debut as the aptly-named fast-food chef Spatch in the wacky children's comedy feature "Good Burger" (1997), directed by Brian Robbins. The helmer tapped Lester to co-star in his next feature, the football-themed drama "Varsity Blues." Here Lester was impressive as the fun-loving, hard-drinking Billy Bob, a gregarious linebacker who suffers greatly at the hands of his brutally demanding coach (Jon Voight). The film proved a good showcase for Lester's talents, giving him opportunity to scale emotional highs and lows, going from a partying star football player to a demoralized and debilitated broken man. In real life, the rigorous scenes on the field left Lester with a dislocated knee.