American Actor, director and producer Clark Middleton died Sunday as a result of West Nile Virus.
‘The Blacklist’ actor’s death was confirmed by his wife Elissa. He was 63 and a renowned actor who appeared in a lot of productions in several capacities.
“With heavy hearts we announce the passing of a life eminently worthy of celebration: Clark Tinsley Middleton, 63 beloved actor, writer, director, teacher, hero, husband, beacon, friend,” Elissa wrote. “Clark transitioned on October 4th as a result of West Nile Virus, for which there is no known cure. Clark was a beautiful soul who spent a lifetime defying limits and advocating for people with disabilities.”
On television, Middleton appeared in recurring roles on ‘Law & Order,’ ‘Twin Peaks’ and, most recently, ‘The Blacklist,’ where he played the irritable DMV boss Glen Carter.
Fellow ‘The Blacklist’ actors Megan Boone who plays Elizabeth Keen, Amir Arison who plays Aram Mojtabai and James Spader who plays Raymond ‘Red’ Reddington have paid tribute to the fallen actor on social media. This is the second actor from the TV series who has passed on in recent times, in April 2020, Tony and Golden Globe-winning actor Brian Dennehy died at the age of 81.
The hit show’s writer Jon Bokenkamp said in a statement, “I’m heartbroken. Besides being a truly unique and gifted actor, Clark was simply an incredible guy in every way. He was a whip-smart film nut. He loved his work with a passion. And he was insanely generous of spirit … I know his entire family at The Blacklist is devastated by this news. Clark was one of the good ones, and we lost him way too soon.
According to Variety, throughout his career, Middleton worked with prominent directors including Quentin Tarantino in ‘Kill Bill Vol. 2,’ Ang Lee in ‘Taking Woodstock,’ Bong Joon Ho in ‘Snowpiercer’ and Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez in ‘Sin City.’
He also wrote and directed original work for both the screen and stage, where he got his start. Middleton began working as an actor in New York in 1983, making his theatrical debut in three plays with late Emmy award-winning actor and Broadway star Geraldine Page.
READ: Coronavirus Forces TV Series ‘The Blacklist’ To Salvage The Season Finale Using Animation
Middleton, a lifetime member of the Actors Studio, taught acting for more than 20 years in New York City. He also lived with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis for more than 50 years and was a spokesperson for the Arthritis Foundation.
He is survived by his wife Elissa, his brother Kirby Middleton and his mother Sue Perior.
