Matt Clark dead: Back To The Future star dies after 'suffering surgery complications'

Acting legend Matt Clark has sadly died aged 89 following a successful career in Hollywood. The star's family told The Hollywood Reporter he died in his Texas home on Sunday morning after suffering from complications following back surgery. His daughter, Amiee Clark, told the publication that Matt broke his back a few months ago.

During his time on screen, Matt portrayed the bartender in the time-travel film Back To The Future III back in 1990. He also appeared in a range of Westerns throughout his career alongside acting heavyweights such as John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. The star was also in the 1980s classic hit, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension.

In addition to films, Matt appeared in multiple television shows, including Grace Under Fire and Dynasty.

His final film was A Million Ways to Die in the West, starring Charlize Theron and Amanda Seyfried, which was released in 2014.

Opening up about his passion for working in Westerns, he said in a 1991 interview: “I just loved ’em! Just like you always wanted to do as a little kid, you put on chaps and boots and tie on spurs that jingle when you walk.”

Fans have been paying tribute to Matt since the news broke this afternoon, with one person writing on the social media platform X: "Saw him in so many movies when I was a kid... Matt Clark, Character Actor in a Barnful of Movie Westerns, Dies at 89."

Another wrote: "89 years old and a lifetime of westerns. They don’t make them like that anymore.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Rest Easy Matt."

Meanwhile, a third said: "Rest in peace, Matt Clark a legendary character actor who brought life to countless westerns. 89 years of stories, talent, and cinematic grit."

Another fan shared: "RIP Matt Clark… a true legend of classic westerns."

Matt was born in Washington on November 25, 1936, and grew up in Virginia. His mother Theresa was a school teacher and his father constructed cabinets and boats.