Matt Clark, a prolific character actor whose decades-long career spanned film and television, including roles in “Back to the Future Part III,” the sitcom “Grace Under Fire” and numerous Westerns has died. He was 89.
Clark died Sunday at his home in Austin, Texas, from complications following back surgery, his wife Sharon Mays confirmed to Variety.
Across a career that stretched from the 1960s into the 2000s, Clark became a familiar presence in Westerns and television dramas, often appearing alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. He played a bartender in “Back to the Future Part III,” the 1990 installment of the blockbuster franchise that transported its characters to the Old West, prison clerk Roy Purcell in “Brubaker” and had a recurring role on the ABC sitcom “Grace Under Fire.”
Clark was particularly associated with the Western genre, appearing in a number of films and TV projects including “Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid,” “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean,” “Jeremiah Johnson” and “The Outlaw Josey Wales.” Over the years, he worked alongside actors including Clint Eastwood and John Wayne. His film résumé also included the cult favorite “The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension.”
On television, Clark was a frequent guest star across decades of network programming. His credits included appearances on classic series such as “Bonanza,” “Kung Fu” and “Dynasty.”
Family members described Clark as an “actor’s actor” who loved the craft and approached his work with dedication but little interest in celebrity. Instead, they said he valued the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues who shared a passion for the profession and a strong commitment to their families.
Clark is survived by his wife and additional family members.
English (US) ·