Clark Middleton
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Actor Clark Middleton dies at 63 from West Nile virus, known for Twin Peaks and The Blacklist

The actor has died at the age of 63 after contracting a mosquito-borne disease

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Clark Middleton has died at the age of 63, after contracting mosquito-borne disease West Nile virus.

The actor lost his battle with the little-known virus on Sunday October 4 2020, his wife Elissa confirmed.

But what was Clark Middleton most famous for?

Stars at the Premiere Of Showtime's "Twin Peaks" held at Theater at The Ace Hotel in Los Angeles. Pictured: Madchen Amick Mina Tobias Amick-Alexis Kyle MacLachlan Dana Ashbrok Sheryl Lee Robert Forster Grace Zabriskie Everett McGill Kimmy Robertson Amy Shiels Russell Simmons Richard Chamberlain Laura Dern Mae Whitman Amanda Seyfried Thomas Sadoski Jim Belushi Madeline Zima David Lynch David Dasmalchian Jesse Johnson Frank Collusion Karl Makinen Matthew Lillard Sean Murray Rachel Bower Rod Rowland Rob Mars Jessica Szohr Eric Edelstein Rob Morrow Jane Levy Balthazar Getty Clark Middleton Lauren Bowles Partick Fischler Sara Paxton Candy Clark Nafessa Williams Bailey Chase Wes Brown Kate Alden Xolo Mariduena Berenice Marlohe Michael Horse Nicole Laliberte Kristen Foe Ana de la Reguera Christopher Murray Uberto Rapisardi Finn Andrews Nae Yuuki Mark Frost David Patrick Kelly Derek Mears Lisa Coronado James Croak Eamon Farren Maureen McCormmick Wendy Robie Leslie Berger George Griffin Owain Rhys Davies Kyle Weishaar Travis Hammer Ref: SPL1503571 190517 NON-EXCLUSIVE Picture by: SplashNews.com Splash News and Pictures USA: +1 310-525-5808 London: +44 (0)20 8126 1009 Berlin: +49 175 3764 166 photodesk@splashnews.com World Rights
Clark Middleton was perhaps most famous for his role in Twin Peaks (Credit: Splash)

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What was Clark Middleton famous for?

Clark starred in dozens of TV shows and films over his impressive 30 year career.

His biggest movie role was perhaps as Ernie in Kill Bill: Volume 2.

Clark played Charlie in the 2017 series Twin Peaks.

Most recently, he starred in The Blacklist as Glen Carter.

He portrayed a variety of weird and wonderful characters in TV dramas such as American Gods, The Path, Fringe and Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.

Who did Clark Middleton play in Twin Peaks?

Clark Middleton played Charlie in Twin Peaks.

Charlie is Audrey Horne’s personal accountant and husband.

The character of Charlie remained a mysterious figure, whose presence is never fully explained.

Clark Middleton as Charlie in Twin Peaks (Credit: HBO)
Clark Middleton as Charlie in Twin Peaks (Credit: HBO)

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What did Clark Middleton die of?

Clark tragically died at the age of 63 after contracting mosquito-borne disease West Nile virus.

His wife said in statement: “Clark transitioned on 4 October 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.”

She called her husband a “beloved actor, writer, director, teacher, hero, husband, beacon, friend”.

Clark developed juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at the age of four.

His hands were distorted and he eventually lost movement in his neck at the age of eight. He stayed at 5ft 4in tall.

What is West Nile virus?

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease, and is from the same virus strand as the Zika virus.

West Nile virus (WNV) is spread by mosquitoes in many countries, and there is no vaccine.

According to the NHS website, most people with WNV have no symptoms.

Some people develop mild flu-like symptoms, nausea and skin rash.

The infection usually goes away on its own without treatment.

Clark Middleton and wife Elissa
Clark Middleton and wife Elissa (Credit: Splash)

The virus is not contagious. You only get it from being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Very young and elderly people, and people with conditions like diabetes are more at risk of developing severe infection.

Signs of a severe infection can include flu-like symptoms, muscle weakness, confusion and seizures.

In rare cases it can lead to meningitis.

Who did Clark Middleton play in The Blacklist?

Clark played DMV employee Glen Carter in The Blacklist, who would moonlight as a tracker for James Spader’s Raymond Reddington, helping him gain access to personal information.

The Blacklist’s Jon Bokenkamp said in a statement: “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.”

Was Clark Middleton married?

Clark Middleton married Elissa in 2006.

After confirming her husband’s death, Elissa tweeted: “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.”

Our condolences go out to Clark’s family.

Blacklist is currently available to watch on Netflix

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Helen Fear
TV Editor

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