Deliverance star Beatty, 83, dies

HOLLYWOOD star Ned Beatty, who appeared in Superman and chilling 1970s hit Deliverance, has died at the age of 83.

The Oscar-nominated actor, pictured, died at his Los Angeles home. Beatty, who was born in Louisville, Kentucky, started in theatre before landing his first movie role in Deliverance opposite Burt Reynolds and Jon Voight. The tale of a terrifying canoe trip in rural Georgia was a huge success.

The star was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role as a brash TV boss in 1976’s Network before playing arch-villain Lex Luthor’s bungling sidekick Otis in Superman in 1978.

The four times-married actor, who featured in over 150 movies and TV shows, is survived by his wife and eight children.

His agent said: ‘Ned passed away from natural causes on Sunday morning surrounded by his family and loved ones.’