Actors From Spider-Man Movies Who Have Passed Away

The ‘Spider-Man’ film franchise spans several decades and multiple cinematic universes bringing beloved Marvel characters to life on the big screen. Throughout the various iterations of the story, many talented performers have contributed to the enduring legacy of the series. While these movies continue to inspire new generations of fans, some of the actors who portrayed iconic roles have unfortunately passed away over the years. This list honors the individuals who helped shape the world of Peter Parker through their memorable performances across different films.

Cliff Robertson

Cliff Robertson portrayed Ben Parker in the original ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy directed by Sam Raimi. His performance established the emotional foundation of the series through his delivery of the iconic line regarding power and responsibility. Robertson was an Academy Award winning actor who brought a sense of warmth and wisdom to the character of the uncle of Peter Parker. His death in 2011 marked the loss of a foundational figure in the modern era of cinematic heroes. He appeared via archival footage and flashbacks in the subsequent sequels to maintain the influence of the character on the story.

Bill Nunn

Bill Nunn played the role of Joseph Robbie Robertson the editor at the Daily Bugle in the Sam Raimi films. His character often served as a voice of reason and a moral compass for J. Jonah Jameson during their scenes together. Nunn was a prolific character actor known for his work in numerous films before joining the Marvel universe. He appeared in all three films of the original trilogy providing a steady presence in the newsroom environment. The actor passed away in 2016 leaving behind a legacy of versatile performances in both film and television.

Randy Poffo

Better known as the Macho Man Randy Savage, Poffo appeared as the professional wrestler Bonesaw McGraw in the first ‘Spider-Man’ film released in 2002. His character faced off against Peter Parker in an underground cage match that served as a turning point for the young hero. Known primarily for his legendary career in professional wrestling, Savage brought his high energy persona to the screen for this memorable cameo. This scene remains one of the most recognizable moments from the early days of the franchise. Savage passed away in 2011 but his contribution to the origins of the cinematic series continues to be celebrated by fans.

Stan Lee

Stan Lee was the creator of ‘Spider-Man’ and made cameo appearances in nearly every film featuring the character. In the original trilogy, he saved a young girl from falling debris and later gave Peter Parker advice in Times Square. His presence became a tradition for Marvel fans who looked forward to spotting him in each new theatrical release. The contributions of Lee to the comic book industry and the cinematic adaptations of his work are significant. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 95 after witnessing his creations become global cultural icons.

Irrfan Khan

Irrfan Khan appeared in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ as Dr. Rajit Ratha who was an executive at Oscorp. He worked closely with Dr. Curt Connors and pressured him to begin human trials for their regenerative serum. Khan was a globally recognized actor known for his incredible work in both Bollywood and major Hollywood productions. His character played a pivotal role in the scientific conflict that led to the transformation of the main antagonist. He passed away in 2020 following a battle with a rare form of cancer.

James Karen

James Karen played the role of Bernie the houseman in the third installment of the original ‘Spider-Man’ franchise. He also appeared as a board member in the first film where he interacted with Norman Osborn. Karen was a veteran actor with a career spanning seven decades and hundreds of roles across various genres. His characters often provided essential plot details or support to the primary actors in the scenes. He died in 2018 leaving a vast body of work that includes some of the most successful films in Hollywood history.

Gerry Becker

Gerry Becker portrayed Maximilian Fargas in the first ‘Spider-Man’ film as a member of the Quest Aerospace board. His character was involved in the decision to move forward with a rival contractor which ultimately led to the first appearance of the Green Goblin. Becker was a character actor frequently cast in roles of authority or business leadership across film and television. His performance helped establish the corporate pressure that drove Norman Osborn to experiment on himself. Becker passed away in 2019 leaving behind a diverse filmography spanning several decades.

Please share your favorite memories of these legendary actors in the comments.