Veteran character actor Matt Clark, widely recognized for his work in Back to the Future Part III and the sitcom Grace Under Fire, has passed away at the age of 89. Clark’s family confirmed to TMZ that he died Sunday morning at his home in Austin, Texas due to complications following back surgery.
Born in Washington, D.C., Clark enjoyed a prolific career spanning five decades in both film and television. He is perhaps best remembered for his role as a bartender in 1990’s Back to the Future Part III, the final installment of the beloved time-travel franchise. He also appeared in the 1984 cult classic The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension.
On television, Clark became a familiar face to sitcom audiences as a regular on Grace Under Fire and guest-starred in numerous classic series, including Bonanza, Kung Fu, and Dynasty. He frequently appeared in Westerns, sharing the screen with legends such as Clint Eastwood and John Wayne, establishing himself as a reliable and respected presence in Hollywood’s golden era of Western filmmaking.
In a statement to TMZ, Clark’s family described him as an “actor’s actor” who loved his craft but never sought fame. “He was impressed when working with good people who loved their families,” they said. “He felt lucky about his career.” They added that Clark lived life on his own terms until the end, noting, “He died the way he lived, on his terms.”
Clark is survived by his loved ones. The entertainment world has lost a steady and beloved performer whose memorable work will continue to resonate with audiences for generations.
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