Matt Clark, the veteran character actor known for his role in Back to the Future Part III, has died. He was 89.
Clark passed away Sunday at his home in Austin, Texas, due to complications from back surgery, his family confirmed to TMZ.
Over a career spanning decades, Clark appeared in more than 120 film and television projects, including Jeremiah Johnson and numerous Westerns that showcased his rugged screen presence.
His family remembered him not for fame, but for his values — sharing that he preferred working with people who prioritized family over celebrity and felt “lucky” to have built a career doing what he loved.
“He died the way he lived — on his terms,” his loved ones said, per Page Six.
Back to the Future actor Matt Clark has died aged 89 pic.twitter.com/MVQ4C09yGz
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) March 16, 2026
Clark is perhaps best remembered by many fans for playing Chester the bartender in Back to the Future Part III, a small but memorable role in the beloved franchise. Clark’s character crosses paths with Michael J Fox’s character Marty McFly in a saloon after Marty travels back to the Old West in 1885, determined to save Doc Brown from a deadly fate.
Born on November 25, 1936, in Washington, D.C., Clark developed an early interest in acting and eventually built a steady career in Hollywood beginning in the late 1960s. He became known for portraying tough, authoritative, and often understated characters, making him a familiar face in both movies and TV shows.
Clark appeared in more than 120 projects throughout his career. Among his most notable film roles was Jeremiah Johnson (1972), starring Robert Redford, where he played a mountain man.
In addition to film, Clark had an extensive television career, with appearances in popular series such as Gunsmoke, Bonanza, The Rockford Files, and Little House on the Prairie. His work often reflected his strength in character-driven roles that added depth and authenticity to the stories.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon Mays, whom he married in 2000, and his daughter, Amiee Clark.
Clark was previously married to Erica Lann from 1958 to 1966, and later to Carol Trieste in 1968.
