Clark Middleton, actor in ‘The Blacklist’ and ‘Twin Peaks,’ dies at 63

Middleton, known for appearing in dozens of stage, TV and film productions, died from West Nile Virus, according to his publicist.

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US actor Clark Middleton attends the Premiere of Hulu Original “The Path”, in Hollywood, California.

Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images

Clark Middleton, best known for acting in ”The Blacklist” and “Twin Peaks,” died Sunday in Los Angeles from West Nile Virus, his publicist said. He was 63. 

Middleton had dozens of TV, film and stage appearance credits including “Sin City,” “Kill Bill: Vol. 2,” “Fringe” and “The Path,” according to his IMDB page. His most recent appearance as Glen Carter on “The Blacklist” aired in April. 

“Clark was a beautiful soul who spent a lifetime defying limits and advocating for people with disabilities,” his wife, Elissa Middleton, said in a statement to USA TODAY. According to publicist Kim Correro, he lived with Rheumatoid Arthritis for more than 50 years. 

“The Blacklist” creator Jon Bokenkamp called Middleton a “truly unique and gifted actor” and “simply an incredible guy in every way.” 

He added in a statement to USA TODAY: “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.” 

Oscar-winning “Parasite” director Bong Joon-ho mourned Middleton, with whom he worked on the 2013 sci-fi film “Snowpiercer.” The two reconnected “just a few months ago” over drinks after a screening of the movie. 

“He was a splendid performer and a beautiful human being,” Bong said in a statement to USA TODAY. “I hope he’s smiling from heaven, that big smile I saw so often.” 

Elissa Middleton also shared a link to the Arthritis Foundation’s Clark Middleton Memorial Fund, which will help pay for research, resources and support for those living with arthritis.

“Thank you for your love and support for My Mister,” Elissa Middleton added from Clark Middleton’s Twitter account Monday. “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.”

A tribute from the Arthritis Foundation said the organization was “saddened by the unexpected loss.

“As an actor, teacher and advocate, Clark spent a lifetime defying limits and arthritis,” the foundation’s page read. “Diagnosed with the disease at age 4, Clark had an estimated 14 surgeries over the years, including replacement of 10 joints. Yet he never let his disability stop him from living a full and accomplished life.”

The page added: “Clark told us a few years ago that his father refused to let him quit, constantly instilling in him that he could define his own reality by how he thought about himself and how he carried himself. ‘He wouldn’t allow me to think of myself as a victim,’ Clark said. ‘I’m living the dream and I want to be able to give back.’”

Read more at usatoday.com

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