Ron Lester (August 4, 1970 – June 17, 2016) was an American actor. He was best known for his roles in the films Varsity Blues, Not Another Teen Movie, Good Burger, and the television series Popular.

Lester was born in Kennesaw, Georgia. His first acting role came when he went to Atlanta, Georgia, to appear as an extra in a commercial, which turned into a feature part. He appeared in a music video for the band Little Texas.

Lester moved to Los Angeles and began doing stand-up comedy in comedy clubs. His first film role was in the movie Good Burger in 1997. In 1999 Lester played the role of Billy Bob in the film Varsity Blues, which would become the role he is most known for. That year he also recurring roles on two TV drama comedies, Freaks and Geeks and Popular. He also appeared in Not Another Teen Movie, which parodied his role in Varsity Blues.

In 2001, Lester underwent gastric bypass surgery, losing 348 pounds (158 kg).^[1] Obese since childhood, at his heaviest, he weighed 508 pounds (230 kg).^[1] According to interviews, he flatlined during the operation.^[1] After the gastric bypass, he had 18 plastic surgeries to remove excess skin.^[1]

In November 2015, Lester was hospitalized due to issues with his liver and kidneys. He was reported to be in critical condition in June 2016 and was in hospice care.^[2]

At 9:00 PM on June 17, 2016, Lester died of liver and kidney failure shortly after his family requested that he be taken off life support. He was 45 years old.^[3][4]