'Back to the Future' actor Matt Clark dies at 89 in Austin

'Back to the Future Part III' actor Matt Clark dies at 89 at his Austin home, family confirms

Veteran character actor Matt Clark, known for his roles in "Back to the Future Part III" and the sitcom "Grace Under Fire," has died at age 89.

Clark's family confirmed to TMZ that the actor passed away Sunday morning at his home in Austin, Texas. The cause of death was complications following back surgery, his family said.

Born in Washington, D.C., Clark built a prolific career spanning five decades across film and television. He was perhaps best recognized for his role as a bartender in 1990's "Back to the Future Part III," the final installment of the iconic time-travel franchise. He also appeared in the 1984 cult classic "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension."

On the small screen, Clark was a familiar face to sitcom fans as a regular on "Grace Under Fire." He also guest-starred in some of television's most beloved classic series, including "Bonanza," "Kung Fu," and "Dynasty."

Clark frequently appeared in Westerns, holding his own alongside legends of the genre. He shared the screen with both Clint Eastwood and John Wayne in various projects, cementing his status as a reliable and respected presence in Hollywood's golden era of Western filmmaking.

In a statement to TMZ, Clark's family described him as an "actor's actor" who loved his craft but was never concerned with fame or stardom. "He was impressed when working with good people who loved their families," they shared. "He felt lucky about his career."

The family added that Clark lived life on his own terms until the very end. "He died the way he lived, on his terms."

Clark is survived by his loved ones. The entertainment world has lost a steady and beloved presence who quietly delivered memorable performances for generations of audiences.