Matt Clark, ‘Back to the Future’ and Western film actor, dies at 89

Matt Clark, an actor who appeared in an array of Western films alongside some of Hollywood’s most famous stars, has reportedly died. He was 89.

Clark died Sunday in Austin, Texas, his daughter Aimee Clark told The Hollywood Reporter on Monday, March 16. A producer herself, his daughter told the outlet that he had broken his back several months before. Clark’s wife, Sharon Mays, also confirmed his death to Variety, citing complications following back surgery as a cause.

No further details were given.

A representative for Clark was not immediately available at the time of publication.

With dozens of movie and television credits to his name, Clark kicked off his career in the mid ’60s. Before acting, he served in the army for two years, before attending George Washington University, then leaving before completing his degree in order to join a local Washington, D.C. theatre group, according to IMDB.

Making his mark in Westerns during their heyday of polarity, he appeared in Paul Newman’s “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean” and John Wayne’s “The Cowboys.” He also acted alongside Clint Eastwood in “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” “The Beguiled,” and “Honkytonk Man.”

Rounding out his tour of the industry’s leading men, Clark also appeared alongside Robert Redford in several films, including 1972’s “Jeremiah Johnson” and 1980’s “Brubaker.” He also appeared in the 1990 film “Back to the Future Part III,” playing Chester the Bartender.

Aside from his over 50 appearances on the small and large screen, Clark was also a director, helming the 1988 film “Da,” which starred Bernard Hughes, Martin Sheen, and his old acting teacher, William Hickey.

Clark is the father of four children, all of whom entered the artistic field as well.

He is survived by his son Matthias, a musician, Jason, a producer, and Seth, a film editor. His daughter Aimée is a producer, too.