Remembering Matt Clark: A Familiar Face in Westerns and Beyond
Matt Clark, a beloved character actor who graced the silver screen in numerous Westerns alongside legends like Paul Newman, John Wayne, and Clint Eastwood, has passed away at the age of 89. His daughter, producer Amiee Clark, confirmed he died Sunday in Austin, Texas, following a recent back injury.
A Career Defined by Versatility
Clark’s career spanned decades, with memorable appearances in films like The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, and The Outlaw Josey Wales. He wasn’t limited to Westerns, however, also showcasing his talent in films like Jeremiah Johnson (with Robert Redford) and Brubaker, where he delivered a particularly compelling performance as Purcell, the former warden’s clerk.
He frequently collaborated with Clint Eastwood, appearing in The Beguiled, The Outlaw Josey Wales, and Honkytonk Man. His versatility extended to working with directors like Stuart Rosenberg, appearing in four of his films: Pocket Money, The Laughing Policeman, Brubaker, and Let’s Get Harry.
Beyond Acting: A Director’s Vision
Clark wasn’t just an actor; he also stepped behind the camera, directing the 1988 feature film Da, starring Bernard Hughes, Martin Sheen, and William Hickey. The film tells the story of a New York playwright returning to Ireland to bury his father.
A Prolific Filmography
His extensive filmography includes roles in Will Penny, Monte Walsh, Macho Callahan, The Culpepper Cattle Co., The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid, Hearts of the West, Kid Vengeance, The Legend of the Lone Ranger, and even a cameo in A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014). As Clark himself remarked in a 1991 interview, “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.”
Early Life and Training
Born in Washington on November 25, 1936, and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Clark’s upbringing was grounded in a practical family life – his father was a boat and cabinet builder, and his mother a schoolteacher. After two years in the U.S. Army and studies in business administration at George Washington University, he pursued his passion for acting.
He honed his craft at the HB Studio in New York, studying with Herbert Berghof and William Hickey, and became involved with the Living Theatre, even understudying Martin Sheen in the original Broadway production of The Subject Was Roses.
Early Roles and Lasting Impact
Clark’s big-screen debut came in 1964 with Black Like Me, and he quickly gained recognition for his role as a Southern punk in the Academy Award-winning In the Heat of the Night (1967). He continued to deliver strong performances in films like The Bridge at Remagen, The Grissom Gang, Emperor of the North, The Driver, and Back to the Future Part III.
Gary Rosen, director of Hacks, described Clark as “the kind of actor that defined Hollywood filmmaking in its greatest era…the utterly unique character player who made every scene he appeared in memorable.”
Television and a Lasting Legacy
Clark also made significant contributions to television, appearing in shows like The Jeff Foxworthy Show, Grace Under Fire, Magnum, P.I., The Practice, and the miniseries The Winds of War and Barbarians at the Gate. His final film role was in 42 (2013), where director Brian Helgeland praised his dedication and artistry.
Matt Clark leaves behind a legacy of dedication, talent, and a genuine love for his craft. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, his children, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As his family noted, “He lived. He lives, forever.”
You can read more about the golden age of Hollywood at The Hollywood Reporter.
