Character actor Matt Clark has passed away at 89. A veteran of Westerns, including films like Paul Newman’s “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean” and Clint Eastwood’s “The Outlaw Josey Wales”, Clark also appeared in a wide range of other genres, from drama to comedy.
Born on November 25, 1936, in Washington, Clark began his acting career in the early 1960s. He studied at HB Studio and made his big-screen debut in James Whitmore’s “Black Like Me” (1964). Throughout his long career, he appeared in over 120 productions, working alongside notable actors such as John Wayne, Robert Redford, and Clint Eastwood.
Clark was praised for his unique ability to bring memorable performances to every role he played. His work in Westerns, including the aforementioned “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean” and “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid”, helped elevate those films to classic status.
A talented director himself, Clark helmed the 1988 feature film “Da”, starring Bernard Hughes and Martin Sheen. He is survived by his daughter, Amiee, third wife Sharon, sons Matthias, Jason, and Seth, and grandchildren, among others.
Clark’s dedication to his craft and his love for acting were evident in every performance he gave. As one director noted, “He was a genuine actor… I got an artist who not only keenly understood his role but also the scene he was in and where it fell in the grand scheme of the film.” Clark’s legacy will be remembered forever through his remarkable body of work.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/matt-clark-dead-westerns-judge-roy-bean-josey-wales-1236533301