Clark Middleton, ‘The Blacklist’ actor, has died at 63 as a result of West Nile Virus.
According to the Center for Disease Control, West Nile Virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States.
It is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall.
Breaking the news of his demise, his wife Elissa in a statement said;
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.
Middleton was known for his performances in ‘The Blacklist’, ‘Twin Peaks’ and ‘Kill Bill: Vol. 2’.
His decades in the film industry included work with directors such as Henry Bean, Ang Lee, Richard Linklater, Frank Miller, Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino.
Among his big-screen credits was Academy Award-winning movie, Birdman. He also wrote and directed original work for both the screen and stage, where he got his start.
Middleton began working as an actor in New York in 1983, making his theatrical debut in three plays with late Emmy award-winning actor and Broadway star, Geraldine Page.
With his debut on Broadway, he portrayed Hugo in the Tony-nominated ‘The Iceman Cometh’ with Denzel Washington.
In the past 30 years, his extensive stage experience took him across the country, where he performed in major theatres in New York City and Los Angeles, including his one-person critically acclaimed play ‘Miracle Mile’.
Middleton, a lifetime member of the Actors Studio, taught acting for more than 20 years in New York City.
He lived with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis for more than 50 years and was a spokesperson for the Arthritis Foundation.
‘The Blacklist’ writer, Jon Bokenkamp reacting to his death said;
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. 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.
Middleton is survived by his wife Elissa, his brother Kirby Middleton and his mother Sue Perior.
