Ned Beatty Dies, Aged 83

Ned Beatty

Ned Beatty, who is best known to Superman fans as the actor who played Otis in two Superman films, has died, aged 83.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Beatty died Sunday of natural causes at his Los Angeles home. He is survived by his fourth wife, Sandy, and children Blossom, Doug, twins Charles and Lennis, Wally, Jon, Thomas and Dorothy.

Beatty played Otis, Lex Luthors bumbling sidekick in two films, “Superman: The Movie” (1978) and “Superman II” (1980). Our condolences to his family and friends.

On June 14, 2008 I was lucky enough to conduct a quick video interview with Ned Beatty during the 2008 Superman Celebration in Metropolis, Illinois.

Superman: The Movie
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superhero
superhero
June 13, 2021 7:56 pm

ned beatty was that type of actor i hated as a child. when i was young, he seemed to play characters, who the viewer may hate. that was me. it wasn’t until i got older and saw his many screen performances that i learned to appreciate his character acting. rip.

Juan Ricardo
Juan Ricardo
June 13, 2021 9:58 pm

R.I.P.
Otisburgh!? Otisburgh!? Otisburgh!?

afriend
afriend
June 14, 2021 7:48 pm
Reply to  Juan Ricardo

It’s just a little-bitty place…

Superman2878
June 14, 2021 8:16 pm
Reply to  afriend

Otisburgh???????

Rest In Peace Otis.

Last edited 2 years ago by Superman2878
redcape
redcape
June 14, 2021 1:05 pm

His role in STM back then seemed to fit right in with the times. You didn’t really think about how he was used as the comedic relief of sorts. But every time he had a scene, it was always done with him coming out as a buffoon. You never asked your self back then, why would Luthor choose to keep this incompetent fool around. But in saying that,…he played the part perfectly. He certainly had a diverse acting career playing many different roles.

Superman2878
June 14, 2021 2:20 pm

He made so many of us Superman fans laugh in his performance as Otis. Even though he played a charature on the wrong side of the law, I couldn’t help but like him. I didn’t see Otis as a villain, only as someone who Lex (like so many others) had taken advantage of. I wasn’t to familiar with Ned’s other roles but I do know from what I’ve heard that he was well liked in his performances. I will say that he will be sorely missed in the Superman fan community. Rest In Peace Ned Beatty. Rest In Peace Otis.… Read more »

afriend
afriend
June 14, 2021 7:47 pm

He was that rare actor, who even in the most ridiculous of scenes (Taking Superman’s cape, making a somewhat naughty double-entendre in The Toy, asking Captain America to help us, and threatening Rango) would commit without taking it too far or too broad. In doing so, he laughed with us, and gave his characters (even Otis) a certain dignity. The world of Cinema is a sadder place for his passing.

NeoRanger
NeoRanger
June 15, 2021 3:11 pm

I saw the news on Twitter and I was surprised; both because I was *sure* he had already passed away and because I thought he was older than 83. My sense of time is all out of whack.

Regardless, I never much cared for Otis as a character, but Beatty was one of the greats and he will be missed.

MattComics
MattComics
June 16, 2021 8:43 am

Otis is not a character I ever would have necesarily wanted in a Superman movie but in context of the movie itself he and Gene Hackman made one of the most hilarious Villain/Henchman duos ever on screen. Ned, thank you for being part of my childhood memories and for the laughter. Rest in peace.

“Lex Luthor! The greatest criminal mind of our time!”

“Of our time!”

“I hereby serve notice..”

“He’s serving notice!”

“That these walls..”

“That these walls here..”

“Would you shut up!”

Last edited 2 years ago by MattComics
Kal-Ed
June 17, 2021 5:20 am

It’s amazing that the Brain can generate enough Power to keep those legs moving. Best introduction to a bumbling henchman.
Flight of Angels sing thee to thine Rest Mr. Beatty. Thank you for the laughs and thank you for the roles you have given through the years. I’ve always liked your role in Homicide: Life On The Streets Series.