Matt Clark, the seasoned character performer who delivered genuine portrayals in numerous Western films and TV programs throughout a fifty-year career, passed away on Sunday, March 15, at his residence in Austin, Texas. He was 89.
The performer’s daughter, Aimee Clark, verified that his passing resulted from complications after spinal surgery. He had sustained a broken back several months prior, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The accomplished actor’s body of work encompassed over 120 film and television productions, gaining acclaim for notable performances in “Back to the Future Part III,” “Grace Under Fire,” “In the Heat of the Night,” and numerous Westerns featuring Hollywood icons.
Clark portrayed Chester, the bartender who observes anxiously as Buford “Mad Dog” Tannen, played by Thomas F. Wilson, enters the saloon seeking confrontation, in “Back to the Future Part III.” The 1990 movie brought together actors Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd for the concluding chapter of the cherished time-travel series.
The actor established his standing chiefly through roles in Westerns, collaborating with several of the film industry’s most legendary personalities. His body of work featured partnerships with Clint Eastwood in “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” John Wayne in “The Cowboys,” and Robert Redford in both “Jeremiah Johnson” and “Brubaker.”
During a 1991 interview, Clark shared his passion for Western films: “I just loved ’em! Just like you always wanted to do as a little kid, you put on chaps and boots and tie on spurs that jingle when you walk.” His appearances in classics included “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean” with Paul Newman, “Hearts of the West,” “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid,” and “The Legend of the Lone Ranger.”
Clark’s sophomore film appearance occurred in Norman Jewison’s Academy Award-winning “In the Heat of the Night” (1967), featuring Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger, in which he portrayed a character named Packy Harrison. This initial credit demonstrated his capability to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the industry’s most prominent stars.
His work in television proved similarly impressive. He took on the role of Emmet Kelly in the Brett Butler comedy series “Grace Under Fire” in 1993 and assumed the part of Walt Bacon for 12 episodes of “The Jeff Foxworthy Show.” His television work covered multiple decades, including parts in “Bonanza,” “Little House on the Prairie,” “Kung Fu,” “Dynasty,” “Magnum, P.I.,” “The Rookies,” “The Waltons,” and “The Winds of War.” His last television appearance occurred in 2000 on “Chicago Hope.”
Clark was born in Washington, D.C. on November 25, 1936, and completed two years of military service in the U.S. Army before following his acting aspirations. He studied at George Washington University but departed prior to graduation to participate in a community theater troupe in the capital city. Subsequently, he received instruction at the HB Studio in New York from Herbert Berghof and William Hickey, then became part of the Living Theatre before moving into cinema. His professional acting journey commenced in the mid-1960s, with his initial film appearance in 1964’s “Black Like Me,” in which he portrayed a mugger.
The actor also delved into additional aspects of cinema production. He helmed the 1988 movie “Da,” which starred Bernard Hughes, Martin Sheen, and William Hickey, his previous acting instructor. He penned the story for the 1970 motion picture “Homer,” showcasing his artistic versatility beyond performance.
His later film work encompassed performances in “Love Letters,” Charlie Sheen’s “Cadence,” “Class Action,” and “42.” His last credited film role occurred in 2014’s “A Million Ways to Die in the West,” portraying an Old Prospector—an appropriate conclusion to the genre that shaped his professional life. He additionally had roles in the cult classic “The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension” and “Independence Day.”
Director Brian Helgeland, who collaborated with the actor on “42,” remembered his dedication to craft: “By the time I worked with Matt Clark on the film 42, he had already been in more than 120 different productions.”
The actor’s relatives offered perspective on his personality and principles. They characterized him as an “actor’s actor” who “was not concerned with stars and fame.” He appreciated collaborating with quality individuals who cherished their families and experienced being “lucky” during his professional life. The family observed that he “died the way he lived, on his terms.”
The actor wed three times. His initial union with Erica Lann lasted from 1958 to 1965, producing sons Matthias and Jason. He subsequently wed Carol Trieste in 1968, and they had three offspring: Seth, Aimee, and Alexandria, who passed before him. In January 2000, he wed Sharon Mays, who stayed by his side until his passing. His son’s wife is Kimberly Beck, recognized for her performances in “Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter” and “Independence Day.”
During his professional journey, Clark became an identifiable presence to viewers, even as his name stayed relatively unknown. He exemplified a cohort of character performers who contributed richness and credibility to innumerable productions, especially in the Western category that characterized a significant portion of his output. He was, according to one associate, “the kind of actor that defined Hollywood filmmaking in its greatest era.”
Surviving Clark are his wife Sharon Mays; sons Matthias Clark, Jason Clark, and Seth Clark; daughter Aimee Clark; nine grandchildren; a great-grandson; and stepchildren Michelle, Joyce, and Ray.
