The Tragic Death Of Bert Belasco
Fans were heartbroken to learn that actor Bert Belasco had been found dead on Nov. 8, 2020, at the age of 38. Belasco is arguably best known for his role on the BET series Let's Stay Together, where he played Charles for the show's entire four seasons, per the New York Post. Although he might be most recognizable as Charles, Belasco was a seasoned comedic actor who had credits in all kinds of shows, including Key and Peele and The Mick, with the star getting his start at the Second City in Chicago, Deadline noted.
"Heartbroken at the passing of Bert Belasco – a talented, kind young man who I had the pleasuring of working with numerous times on #LetsStayTogether," co-star Jackée Harry tweeted hours after the news broke, "Squeeze your loved ones tight! Tomorrow is never promised." Fellow actor Yvette Nicole Brown penned, "I am gutted by this Bert was my friend! We had JUST talked last week. He was happy and excited about his new project and all the good that was to come. No day is promised. NO DAY."
Fans and actors alike were saddened to lose such a talented actor at the height of his career, making him the latest in a long line of 2020 deaths. Below we breakdown everything we know so far about the tragedy.
Bert Belasco's father speaks out
Actor Bert Belasco's father, Bert Belasco Sr., shared the sad news of his son's death on Nov. 9, 2020. When speaking to TMZ, Bert Sr. said that his son's body was discovered in a hotel room the previous day, with the dad telling the outlet that hotel staff got asked to check on Bert Jr. after the actor's girlfriend had been unable to reach him for hours. Upon entering the room, Bert Jr. was discovered unresponsive, and there was "blood on the sheets," as TMZ reported.
Bert Jr. was in Richmond, Va., to begin work on a new movie at the time of his passing. He was required to quarantine before filming began to ensure the cast and crew's safety, which is why he was alone in the hotel in the first place. Bert Sr. told TMZ that he suspected his son had succumbed to a fatal aneurysm, though the family is still awaiting autopsy results.
Nicki Swift gives its condolences to Belasco's loved ones.