Matt Clark, a veteran actor whose career spanned decades across film and television, has died, according to TMZ.
He was 89.
Clark passed away Sunday morning at his home in Austin, Texas, following complications from back surgery, according to his family.
His family described him as an “actor’s actor.” They added that he felt very grateful for his career and “he died the way he lived, on his terms.”
The family added he was happy when he was working with “good people who loved their families,” per TMZ.
Clark’s Impressive Career
Over the course of a career that stretched from the 1960s through the 2000s, Clark built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most reliable character actors, appearing in a wide range of projects alongside some of the industry’s most recognizable stars.
Many fans remember Clark for his appearance in “Back to the Future Part III,” where he played a bartender in the Western-themed installment of the beloved franchise.
Clark also appeared on the sitcom “Grace Under Fire,” further cementing his place as a familiar face on television screens during the 1990s.
Per IMDb, Clark had already spent years building a steady career in Westerns, a genre that helped define much of his early work.
He appeared in a number of projects alongside legendary actors including Clint Eastwood and John Wayne, both of whom were major figures in the Western film tradition.
Clark’s filmography also included the cult favorite “The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension,” which gained a loyal following over the years for its unique blend of science fiction, action and comedy.
Beyond film, Clark appeared in numerous classic television series throughout the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s.
His guest roles included appearances on popular shows such as “Bonanza,” “Kung Fu” and the prime-time soap “Dynasty.”
Tributes Pour In
Since the sad news broke, tributes have poured in.
“The best bartender in time,” one user wrote.
“89 years of life and a role in one of the greatest films ever made. Rest well legend,” one fan added.
Another wrote, “Rest in peace, Matt Clark. He gave memorable performances that will be remembered for generations. A life well-lived in film.”
Others noted how his legacy will live on through his iconic roles.
“Always remembered him as the sheriff in The Outlaw Josey Wales or that grizzled bartender in Back to the Future III those roles stuck with people way more than the credits suggest,” another added.
