We have more sad news to report this morning, as actor Clark Middleton's wife Elissa has confirmed that he passed away over the weekend. Just 63 years old, Middleton died after contracting West Nile virus, which is transmitted through mosquito bites.
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. 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."
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Born in 1957, Middleton overcame a lot of pain and hardship on his way to becoming an actor. Speaking with newspaper The Daily Gazette back in '93, he detailed his struggle with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which he was diagnosed with at the age of 4.
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. 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. But I never thought of myself as a victim. I always felt like a hero, because I survived each bad time. I played Little League ball and touch football between each attack and at high school graduation I tossed out my canes."
He got into acting in junior college and spent many years acting on stage. He made his screen acting debut in an episode of American Playhouse in 1983, and went on to earn more than 40 more screen credits, including roles in the films KILL BILL: VOLUME 2, SIN CITY, SNOWPIERCER, and BIRDMAN OR (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE). He also appeared in episodes of Law & Order, CSI, Fringe, Gotham, South of Hell, The Path, American Gods, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. He played the role of Audrey's husband Charlie in the Showtime revival of Twin Peaks, and recently had been playing fan favorite character Glen "Jellybean" Carter on The Blacklist (pictured below).
Middleton always made a positive impression when he appeared on screen, and it's very sad to know that we don't have any more of his performances to look forward to.
Our condolences go out to Clark Middleton's family, friends, and fans.
Hi. Elissa here, Clark's wife. Thank you for your love and support for My Mister. I cannot count the number of times he said "Give the world your best and the best will come back to you," quoting his father Mel. And he meant it! He is in the light, happy and free, and sends love
— Clark Middleton (@SparkMiddleton) October 6, 2020
Clark was a passionate advocate for and a proud member of both the 25% of the US with a disability, and the 54M Americans with Arthritis. Support the Clark Middleton Memorial Fund here https://t.co/AUD5zJqt2Q
— Clark Middleton (@SparkMiddleton) October 6, 2020
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