John Wesley death: Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actor dies, aged 72

Wesley played Dr Hoover on the much loved show

John Wesley as Dr Hoover next to Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. (YouTube / Warner Bros Domestic Television Distribution)

Actor John Wesley, who played Dr Hoover on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, has died aged 72.

Wesley died of complications stemming from multiple myeloma, Variety reported citing his family.

The actor, a native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, made a notable appearance in the Fresh Prince season two episode “The Mother of All Battles”, where he played the father of Paula Hoover, a guest character portrayed by Ebony Solomon.

Before that, he built up a long list of acting credits, including in the Eighties Dirty Dancing television series.

His numerous subsequent credits include the TV series Baywatch, Martin, Frasier, Melrose Place, Medium and NCIS.

Wesley also played Sergeant Tony in the 1992 buddy cop comedy film Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot, and appeared in the 1968 Western Hang ‘Em High, starring Clint Eastwood.

Gerry Pass, the actor’s manager and producer, paid tribute to Wesley in a statement to Variety.

“John Wesley was a gift to the world, for his kindness and grace are immortalised in his works of theatre, TV and film,” he told the publication.

“I am heartbroken to have lost a dear friend today.”