Clark Middleton, an American actor best known for his supporting roles in movies and TV shows such as Kill Bill: Vol.
2, Sin City, and The Blacklist, has passed away at the age of 63.
As reported by Variety, the actor’s passing was confirmed by his wife, Elissa Middleton, who explained that her husband had died of the West Nile Virus.
“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 expressed in a statement.
“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.”
Besides his career in acting, Middleton, who was suffering from rheumatoid arthritis since he was just four years old, also worked as a writer and director.
Among other original works, The Path and The Blacklist star created Miracle Mile, a one-person play in which he opened up about his long battle with rheumatoid arthritis.
“At first it distorted my hands. Then the cortisone I had to take made my cheeks fat. At 8, I lost movement in my neck,” the actor said of his condition in an interview with The Daily Gazette back in 1993.
“When I was 15, my hip snapped. After an operation, I had to be on crutches and later, after I broke my leg falling over my dog, on canes.”
Following the Twin Peaks actor’s death, fellow celebrities paid the dedicated man a series of touching tributes.
“I don’t even know where to begin with this news. All I know is that we lost one of the good ones today. My heart is broken. I love this man so much and felt like I needed to say something,” Middleton’s The Path co-star, Aaron Paul, wrote.
“Clark Middleton loved to act more than anyone I have ever met in my life and he was damn good at it. I had the privilege to work with him for many years and became dear friends with him through the process. He loved people and he knew movies. Like nobody I have ever met before.”
Meanwhile, Jon Bokenkamp, The Blacklist creator, dubbed the 63-year-old “a truly unique and gifted actor.”
“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,” Bokenkamp expressed in a statement.
“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.”
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