Back to the Future star Matt Clark passes away at 89

The veteran character actor died following complications from back surgery.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:22pm

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Matt Clark, best known for his role as Chester the Bartender in Back to the Future Part III, has passed away at the age of 89. The veteran character actor died at his home in Austin, Texas, on Sunday morning due to complications from back surgery. Clark had a prolific career spanning over 50 years, appearing in numerous Westerns and other films alongside Hollywood legends like Paul Newman, John Wayne, and Clint Eastwood.

Why it matters

Matt Clark was a beloved character actor who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry through his memorable performances in classic films. His passing marks the end of an era for Hollywood's golden age of character actors.

The details

Clark broke his back several months ago and passed away at his home in Austin, Texas, on Sunday morning. He was best known for his scene-stealing role as Chester the Bartender in the 1990 film Back to the Future Part III, where he appeared alongside Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, and Mary Steenburgen. Over the course of his 50-year career, Clark appeared in a number of Westerns and other films, often playing supporting roles that elevated the projects he was a part of.

  • Matt Clark passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2026.
  • Clark broke his back several months prior to his death.

The players

Matt Clark

A veteran character actor who appeared in numerous films over a 50-year career, including a memorable role as Chester the Bartender in Back to the Future Part III.

Sharon Mays

Matt Clark's wife, whom he married in 2000.

Aimee, Mattias, Jason and Seth

Matt Clark's children, all of whom have pursued careers in the entertainment industry.

Alexandria

Matt Clark's late daughter, who passed away several years prior.

Erica Lann

Matt Clark's first wife, whom he was married to from 1958 to 1965.

Carol Trieste

Matt Clark's second wife, whom he was married to from 1968 to 1988.

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What they’re saying

“He was 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, often stealing them from stars like Rod Steiger, Robert Redford, Clint Eastwood and John Wayne.”

— Gary Rosen, Director (Statement)

“His roles in In the Heat of the Night, Jeremiah Johnson, The Outlaw Josey Wales, The Cowboys, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, among many others, helped to elevate those films to classic status. He leaves the stage, but his performances will be remembered forever.”

— Gary Rosen, Director (Statement)

“He built his own house with his own hands. He kept his closest friendships for sixty years. He showed up for the work and for his people, every time. He was complex. He was tough. He could be gruff. But the moral compass never wavered, and the love was never in doubt. You could see it – in his eyes, in his performances, in the family he loved to keep together. He lived. He lives forever.”

— Clark Family (Statement)

The takeaway

Matt Clark's passing marks the end of an era for Hollywood's golden age of character actors. His memorable performances in classic films like Back to the Future Part III, In the Heat of the Night, and The Outlaw Josey Wales cemented his legacy as a beloved and respected actor who elevated every project he was a part of.