Matt Clark, Prolific Character Actor, Dies at 89

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Matt Clark, a prolific character actor known for his roles in Westerns and other films, has died at the age of 89 in Austin, Texas. Clark had over 100 credits in film and television over a 50-year career, appearing in classics like "In the Heat of the Night" and "The Outlaw Josey Wales." He was a regular on shows like "Bonanza," "The Waltons," and "Walker, Texas Ranger."

Why it matters

Matt Clark was a fixture in Hollywood for decades, appearing in scores of popular films and TV shows. His passing marks the end of an era for a generation of character actors who helped define the Western and other genres through their supporting roles.

The details

Clark began his acting career on the stage in New York before transitioning to film and television in the 1960s. Over the next 50 years, he amassed over 100 credits, often playing rugged, no-nonsense characters in Westerns and other gritty dramas. Some of his most notable roles were in classics like "In the Heat of the Night," "Jeremiah Johnson," "Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid," and "The Outlaw Josey Wales." He also had a recurring role on the sitcom "The Jeff Foxworthy Show" in the 1990s.

• Clark was born on November 25, 1936.
• He died on March 15, 2026 in Austin, Texas at the age of 89.