Ron Lester (born August 4, 1970) is an American actor. He is perhaps best known for his roles in the film Varsity Blues and the TV show Popular.
Lester was born in Kennesaw, Georgia. He attended North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, where he acted in theater productions as well as participating in local rodeos. Lester's sister died while he was in high school, causing him to attempt suicide. 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, and two years later he had a recurring role on the TV comedy Freaks and Geeks. 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. Obese since childhood, at his heaviest, he weighed 508 pounds. According to interviews, he flatlined during the operation. After the gastric bypass, he had 16 plastic surgeries to remove excess skin.
